State Rep. John Roth this month secured $2.9 million through the state budget for United We Smile, a safety net dental clinic operated by United Way of Northwest Michigan. The organization provides preventive and restorative dental services to children, pregnant women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities who are unable to access care elsewhere.  It also serves as a teaching facility for dental interns to introduce and help prepare future dentists to support community-based dental needs.

“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.”

State funding will help support the continued operation of United We Smile through the purchase of its current operating facility.  By securing the facility, United We Smile can protect the community investment already made in the clinic and support the long-term sustainability of United We Smile.

“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.

The United We Smile initiative directly addresses health disparities, reduces costly reliance on emergency departments, and strengthens the regional workforce through fewer missed workdays related to oral health issues.

“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.

“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.

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