Our Communities Have a Need
Tens of thousands of people cannot access or afford quality, basic dentistry.
There are thousands of people in our communities who face multiple barriers to receiving the dental care they need.
The basic reason is financial; but other reasons may include lack of insurance, limited English proficiency, lack of transportation, inability to take time off from work, the need for childcare, lack of education about how poor oral health can adversely affect overall health, cultural beliefs, fear of dentistry, and more.
Poor oral hygiene and poor oral health can lead to larger health and economic problems for individuals and families.
At Community Dental Care, we welcome people of all socioeconomic backgrounds to receive comprehensive dental care and we break down barriers both economic and social.
Why We Need Your Help
Community Dental Care is a safety-net dental clinic ,providing 105,000 patient visits annually.
More than 93 percent of our patients are either on public assistance or are uninsured. While we are reimbursed for dental care provided to public-program patients, our revenue for services is less than half that of private-practice dental clinics. In fact, Minnesota ranks 49th out of the 50 states for Medicaid reimbursement rates for children needing dental care and 46th for adults.
In addition to the financial challenges presented by low Medicaid reimbursement rates, we offer dental care at reduced rates for patients who qualify based on their income. We also provide about $1.5 million in charity care each year.
In addition, donations help support our community programs. These include in-clinic preventative education for children and family members; outreach presentations at local schools and community centers; a school-based prevention program; a program to provide preventative education in collaboration with a local medical clinic; and a professional training program for dental assistant, dental hygiene and nursing students.
We Address This Need
Community Dental Care is a professional, nonprofit organization that welcomes children, families, and the elderly from all income groups and diverse ethnic backgrounds to receive high quality, comprehensive dental care in a convenient, caring, and respectful environment. It is one of only a few Minnesota community dental clinics that focuses on providing comprehensive dental care for people of all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Our mission is to provide culturally sensitive community oral health care, preventive education, professional training, and to advocate for access for all. We believe inclusivity strengthens and enriches every aspect of our organization and our community. We welcome our neighbors from all over the state of Minnesota, serving patients from 72 of the 87 Minnesota counties.
Our staff represent the communities we serve with more than 65 percent representing diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds. We also speak over 34 languages.
Here’s How Your Donations Are Used
$5,000.00 - Sustain our mission so we can continue to meet the needs of the underserved.
$1,000.00 - Sponsor care grants for children or adults with acute dental disease.
$500.00 - Cover the cost of restorative treatment for an uninsured or underinsured child in pain.
$50.00 - Purchase oral hygiene kits (toothbrush, toothpaste, & floss) for children and adults in need
Who We Serve
105,000 patient visits annually
88% Medicaid
5% uninsured
70% people of color
52% children under age 21
