Minnesota Dentists Say State Facing 'Worst-In-The-Nation' Dental Crisis

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- Minnesota dentists say the state is facing a worst-in-the-nation dental crisis, and they are mounting a "Help Minnesota Smile" campaign at the Captiol.

The state ranks dead last in funding for pediatric dental services for the poor.

"Right now, Minnesota should be too embarrassed to smile," Minnesota Dental Association president Dr. Kevin Dens said. "Ranked last in the nation is just not the way we do things in Minnesota."

The Minnesota Dental Association is asking the legislature to spend 100 million dollars to raise the reimbursement rate. Because it's so low, many clinics can't treat poor patients, who end up in emergency rooms.