MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Children's Wisconsin has accumulated roughly $1.7 million for the expansion of its Dental Center, thanks to the Healthy Smiles Healthy Kids Challenge and the commitment from Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation.

The fundraising efforts are set to finance the establishment of a new dental office within the Children's Wisconsin Milwaukee campus. The addition of this space, which includes an increased number of exam chairs from 13 to 19, aims to widen the scope of dental care for pediatric patients, particularly those with special needs.

The new office, expected to begin construction by late 2023, will feature a low-sensory waiting area and exam rooms designed to mitigate sensory overload often experienced in larger reception areas. The aim is to offer a significant step in providing comprehensive dental care to vulnerable children in Wisconsin, with the Dental Center annually attending to approximately 22,000 visits across its four locations.

Special attention will be devoted to the training of additional dental students, expanding the capacity to conduct more dental procedures than previously possible.

This collaboration with Delta Dental is planned to help elevate dental services for children, especially those with critical needs. The new dental space is projected to open its doors to patients by 2025.