READY, SET, SMILE, RESUMES DENTAL CARE AT NO COST TO FAMILIES

Ready, Set, Smile, a Minneapolis community-based nonprofit, is continuing to provide dental care at no cost to children who would have received the service at their schools prior to the COVID-19 pandemic school closure. The care is also extended to family members who do not have insurance or are on medical assistance.

“Despite the uncertainties in the world right now, we are committed to fulfilling our mission to provide dental care to children from underserved communities so they can learn without pain from dental decay,” said Suzanne Fust, executive director.

With the generous support from Sm:)e Orthodontics in Minneapolis, Ready, Set, Smile is operating a modified version of their previously school based clinics two days a week at Sm:)e Orthodontics.

Contingency plans are being put in place for the Fall academic year pending the school district’s operational guidelines. One of Ready, Set, Smile’s plans is to return to its normal operating hours in the elementary and middle schools. If distance learning is required, Ready, Set, Smile will reach out to community centers including places of congregations such as churches, mosques, synagogues to continue its dental care service there.

Ready, Set, Smile’s work is funded largely through donations from community members who believe in closing disparity gaps by removing barriers so that under-served children can receive dental care.                                

Ready, Set, Smile believes all children deserve access to dental care and health education regardless of insurance, transportation, or language barriers. Ready, Set, Smile brings on-site dental care and health education to children from preschool through 8th grade. Ready, Set, Smile partners with 27 Minneapolis schools to ensure all children will grow-up healthy and live productive lives. To learn more or donate, contact Suzanne Fust at 612-721-6118 or sfust@readysetsmile.org.