Smiles United Dental Crisis Fund

United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) established its Smiles United Dental Crisis Fund in early 2025 with support from the Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation and St. Louis County Community Development Block Grant.

The fund offered up to $1,000 to individuals living or working within our service area to assist with necessary dental procedures.

Funding was exhausted in months, though we continue to receive requests for assistance. UWNEMN is working to secure additional funding and re-open the crisis fund to all who need it!

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 23 dental providers in UWNEMN's 11,000+ square mile service area.
  • 2024 outreach found that NINE were able to accept new patients, and ONE was accepting new MA patients.
• In 2024, more than 200 patients registered at Fairview Range Medical Center for oral health needs; 34 patients presented to Essentia Health Virginia Emergency Room for dental issues.

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 - Limited funding remains available for veterans and servicemembers across the Iron Range, Koochiching County, and Lake of the Woods County.