More parents report that getting their kids to floss or brush their teeth is more challenging than getting their kids to make the bed or to complete their homework on time. This, according to a recent national survey conducted by Delta Dental. The Children’s Oral Health Survey indicates that many children are not following recommended guidelines of brushing their teeth for two minutes twice daily and flossing once a day, potentially leading to oral health problems. 78 percent of the parents surveyed confess that their child’s oral health is not as good as it could be, with 64 percent disclosing that their child currently has oral health issues, including cavities (31 percent).

Most Americans view oral health as important to their life and overall health in well-being national survey

Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation, in collaboration with the Minnesota Dental Foundation, has named Christopher Steffenson, D.D.S., and Michael Talberg, D.D.S. as the 2017 recipients of the Dedicated to Minnesota Dentists Loan Repayment for Service program, which brings dental professionals to rural Minnesota communities. Dr. Steffenson will practice in Walker, while Dr. Talberg will practice in Cook.The Dedicated to Minnesota Dentists program aims to improve access to care for underserved communities in rural Minnesota by reducing student loan debt in exchange for the dentist’s service in an underserved community. The average student loan debt of graduating dentists exceeds $250,000, which is a barrier to new dentists practicing in Greater Minnesota.

Today’s parents live on-the-go, and just like them, the Tooth Fairy is busier than ever! She’s so busy, that she sometimes forgets to stop by when she is supposed to.

While you or your kids are enjoying this holiday season, try to keep in mind just how much sugar is in those holiday drinks (even Santa’s glass of milk!) – and remember these three easy tips to protect against tooth decay this holiday season:

Each year, Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation grants millions of dollars to organizations and programs that help expand access to quality dental care across Minnesota. This goal is our driving mission.

With large and recognizable providers like HCMC and the Mayo Clinic calling Minnesota home, our state has become synonymous with quality health care. But despite that reputation, Minnesota is also home to many communities that face health care provider shortages. In fact, more than 6 out of 10 Minnesota counties have been federally designated as dental health professional shortage areas.

Delta Dental of Minnesota is dedicated to keeping you healthy this holiday season! Did you know your oral health is a large component of your overall health? To keep your oral and overall health top of mind this Thanksgiving, Delta Dental of Minnesota has signed on as the Title Sponsor of the Minneapolis Turkey Day 5K.

Thanks to a grant from Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation, Hennepin County Medical Center will begin offering dental services to people with the highest need in their nationally recognized Coordinated Care Center.