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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Reason to Smile: More MN Children Expected to See the Dentist

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Tuesday, March 4, 2014   

ST. PAUL, Minn. - It is the most common chronic childhood disease, and across Minnesota and the country there are new requirements that could help take a bite out of kids' tooth decay. Pediatric dental care is one of the essential benefits under the Affordable Care Act, meaning it must be offered, whether it's part of a health plan or as an optional stand-alone.

That should help get more children in the chair, according to Carmelo Cinqueonce, executive director of the Minnesota Dental Association.

"There are children who go without care and there are adults that go without care, so it's important the more we can do to make sure that patients have coverage, and also have an opportunity to see a dentist," he said.

As a result of the ACA, it's estimated that as many as 8.7 million people age 21 and younger will gain dental coverage nationwide by 2018.

Dr. Paul Reggiardo, spokesman for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, said tooth decay and untreated cavities in childhood can lead to serious pain, and the negative effects can spread from there.

"Kids who are suffering with pain, they're not getting adequate nutrition. Their school performance is affected. Their learning is affected. A child in pain is not going to be able to sit attentively in school and listen," he said. "And so, the implications go well beyond just having cavities."

The next major deadline under the Affordable Care Act is just weeks away. The first open enrollment period ends March 31 for those wanting a plan this year through the health insurance marketplace.

ACA dental plan information is at 1.usa.gov/1ohO59Y. ADA benefit examination is at ADA.org.




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