Capitol News

State Representative John Roth has secured $2.9 million in state funding for United We Smile, a dental clinic operated by United Way of Northwest Michigan. The clinic provides preventive and restorative dental care to children, pregnant women, veterans, and people with disabilities who have difficulty accessing other dental services. It also serves as a training site for dental interns to prepare future dentists for community-based care.

“Securing this funding means underserved and vulnerable populations across Northern Michigan will receive the dental services they need,” said Roth, R-Interlochen. “This funding helps secure a long-term future for this incredible organization.  Many vulnerable people are unable to address their dental needs, often leading to much more devastating consequences down the road.  By meeting these people where they are, we’re helping to mitigate that risk and give folks the regular care they need to stay healthy and smile big.”

The new state funds will allow United We Smile to purchase its current operating facility, which is expected to support the clinic’s continued operation and protect prior community investments.

“We are deeply grateful to Representative Roth, our legislative sponsor, for his steadfast leadership and advocacy in securing this critical funding for United We Smile,” said Sara O’Hara, United Way of Northwest Michigan (UWNWMI) Operations Officer.

According to UWNWMI officials, the program aims to reduce health disparities in the region by offering accessible oral health care. They say it also helps decrease reliance on emergency departments for dental issues and supports workforce stability by reducing missed workdays due to oral health problems.

“This investment will help United We Smile to continue to provide essential dental services to children, families, and military veterans who are unable to access care elsewhere, and we are grateful to the Legislature and the governor for their support and commitment to our important work,” said Deon Vaughan, UWNWMI Board Chair.

A veteran who received care at the clinic shared his experience: “For years, I didn’t have any options for dental care, and my health was paying the price. I didn’t realize how much my decaying teeth were affecting my overall well-being until they were extracted — almost immediately, I felt better physically and mentally. The staff at United We Smile has been so supportive, and the dental interns are top-notch professionals.  Now, with my new dentures, it’s more than just a smile — it’s a world of difference,” said Bob, 63, a U.S. Army Veteran.