Smiles United Dental Crisis Fund

United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN)  Smiles United Dental Crisis Fund offers up to $1,000 to individuals living or working within our service area to assist with necessary dental procedures.

WHY IS THIS NEEDED?

Our region is suffering from a shortage of dental providers which increases rates of oral health complications requiring significant treatments. These treatments are expensive, especially if insurance does not cover all aspects.

• There are currently 32 dental providers in UWNEMN's 11,000+ square mile service area.
• In 2025, 213 patients presented to the Fairview Range Medical Center Emergency Room or Urgent Care for dental pain, and 199 patients presented to Essentia Health Virginia Emergency Room with dental issues.
  • In 2026, Project Care reports "tooth pain" as a weekly complaint; patients have pulled their own teeth and are subsequently seeking antibiotics.

WHAT ELSE IS BEING DONE?

In 2024, UWNEMN established the NE MN Dental Task Force which includes representation from healthcare, insurance, and government.

Top needs discussed to-date by the task force include workforce, mobile and accessible care for seniors, “dental homes” for uninsured and underinsured individuals, and crisis funding.

Crisis funding was established as quickly as possible; until access to care increases, we believe this funding is necessary to prevent dental crises from becoming healthcare and financial crises as well.

NEED HELP NOW?

There ARE options for care in our region, regardless of insurance status:

• Children's Dental Services - Preventive services and some restorative. Care provided to patients of all ages in a variety of community locations. Make an appointment at: 1-866-543-6009
• Ely Community Health Center - Preventive services only. Care provided at 33 E Chapman Street, Ely MN 55731, Monday-Thursday. Appointment required: 218-365-5678
• Smiles United Dental Crisis Fund - Funding available for patients at or below the ALICE threshold across the Iron Range, Koochiching County, and Lake of the Woods County.

  • Smiles United Crisis Funding is made possible thanks to the Central Mesabi Medical Foundation, Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation, Medica Foundation, and St. Louis County Community Development Block Grant.