Mission Statement
Since 1919, Children’s Dental Services is dedicated to improving the oral health of children from families with low income by providing accessible treatment and education in our diverse Minnesota community.
Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
CDS operated out of over six hundred clinical locations across the Twin Cities metropolitan area and greater Minnesota, and served children, from birth until the age of 26, and pregnant women regardless of the amount of their family income. Outreach education and screenings were provided at schools, health fairs, and community events. Over 16,000 children were screened under this program. Over 31,000 patients were provided approximately 92,000 procedures at CDS clinics over the course of more than 63,000 visits. The patient population to whom these services were targeted is exceedingly diverse, with over 85% representing communities of color.
Current Goals
Children's Dental Services will continue its mission of improving the oral health of children from families with low incomes by providing accessible treatment and education to the diverse community. Children's Dental Services will continue to offer education, outreach, and dental care in diverse communities across Minnesota with plans to expand services in underserved areas.
Community or Constituency Served
CDS' target population is low-income children and pregnant women, with low-income defined as those at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG). Approximately 96% of CDS' current patients are children and 4% are pregnant women. CDS also targets cultural and ethnic minorities and children with special needs. CDS' patient makeup as of year-end 2013 was: African American (22%), East African (23%), Hispanic (25%), Caucasian/East European (15%), Asian/Pacific Islander (9%), and American Indian (6%).
Geographic Area Served
The primary service area of CDS is the state of Minnesota.
