Volunteer clinics provide dental care to those in need

For many of our country’s working poor, just one medical misfortune can be disruptive in significant, often catastrophic, ways. An infected tooth or other dental issue can force a breadwinner to miss work, endure pain or even end up in the hospital with a deep neck space infection. That’s why a dedicated group of students, faculty and working dental professionals have come together to support two clinics for those in need—AppleTree Dental in Mounds View, which provides extractions, and Mission Outpost in Burnsville, which provides fillings.

Under the leadership of Rachel Uppgaard, DDS, tenure-track associate professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery, these two clinics are working to fill the gap left by the sudden closure of Hope Dental Clinic last year. “Anything we can do to get people to definitive care sooner is a good thing,” she said. “We see the working poor who are struggling with horrendous tooth pain, swelling and headaches that make it hard for them to sleep, work or take care of their loved ones. Paying for a tooth extraction can be the difference between making rent or having food for several weeks. We can address their dental concerns so they can recover and focus on surviving in a tough situation.”

Six students are working as coordinators: Yu Sun, Merrick McMahon, Jayke Hefti, Elvis Idrovo Meija, Eric Woolner and Nicole Ivanova, all DDS ’27. McMahon says they rotate duties every Wednesday during the semester, helping with workflow among patients, staff and University volunteers. “If you’re a D1 or D2, you can volunteer right now,” he said. “We’re looking for people who are excited to provide community service, providing treatment to those who couldn’t otherwise afford it. If you’re motivated to sacrifice an evening off, you can do some good for people in need.”

His fellow coordinator, Yu Sun, describes what it’s like to volunteer at Apple Tree: “First-year students assist and observe, second-year students practice local anesthesia injections, third-year students perform extractions and fourth-year students gain experience transitioning into a private-practice-like setting.” The impact, she says, is significant: “Every patient I’ve encountered has expressed deep gratitude for this program, and many travel long distances to receive care.”

There are many benefits from a student perspective, as well, Sun said. “These partnerships prepare students for service-oriented dentistry by teaching us far more than clinical skills,” she said. “We learn how to work in teams, navigate real-world systems, communicate with community partners and adapt to new environments.”

Momentum to support these clinics is growing. A $15,000 grant from the Park Dental Foundation has been helpful, and more grant applications are in progress. To all donors, Uppgaard said, “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. As healthcare providers, we are called to serve the person in front of us, no matter who they are, what they believe, or how much money they have. Thank you for helping us on this mission to serve those who have no other options.”