The results are in and a record number of nearly 2,500 volunteer dental professionals throughout Minnesota provided their services for free to children whose families could otherwise not afford the care. The annual Give Kids a Smile outreach effort provided 5,200 needy children with free dental care.

"It was wonderful to see a record number of volunteers come forward in this tough economy to help children whose families are facing difficult times," said Dr. Lee Jess, president of the Minnesota Dental Association, whose practice is located in Grand Rapids. Give Kids a Smile is sponsored by the Minnesota Dental Association.

The free care was provided on two days in February when 533 dentists across the state opened their offices and clinics to provide completely free dental care to children whose families could not otherwise afford the care.

This year marks the 7th consecutive year the Minnesota Dental Association has sponsored Give Kids a Smile. Since its inception, the program has served 32,000 young children and the donated services top $10 million dollars in value.

Nationwide the American Dental Association reports that over 12,000 dentists participated in this year's event, reaching 466,000 underserved children. The value of donated dental care in 2009 is estimated to be over $30 million.