You’re Invited: United We Smile Grand Opening Boasts Back to School Bash

You’re Invited: United We Smile Grand Opening Boasts Back to School Bash

United Way of Northwest Michigan (UWNWMI) will be celebrating the grand opening of the United We Smile (UWS) dental clinic on August 26, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and everyone’s invited!

UWS, with funding support from the Delta Dental Foundation (DDF) and Delta Dental of Michigan’s Quality Improvement and Population Health team, is an oral health initiative of UWNWMI that focuses on providing special care dentistry for children, pregnant people, veterans, and those with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

“We are pleased to work with the Delta Dental Foundation and Delta Dental of Michigan in the opening of United We Smile,” shared Seth Johnson, CEO/President of UWNWMI. “With their support, we are able to significantly improve access to oral health in our area. Together we are ensuring that individuals in our community have the opportunity to receive quality dental care and improve their overall well-being.”

“We are excited about the UWS clinic and the increased access to care it will provide in the community, especially for Healthy Kids Dental members who are often underserved,” said Michelle Kohler, DDS, Delta Dental’s director of quality improvement and population health management.

As an innovative program model, UWS will work with local volunteer dentists, dental students from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and dental assisting interns from the Dental Assistant Program at Northwestern Michigan College to provide patients with high-quality, no-cost care. Patients will also have access to wraparound support services from community health workers.

“UWS will be filling a critical dental care gap in the greater Traverse City,” said Holli Seabury, EdD, executive director of the DDF. “They’re also looking toward the future, ensuring the next generation of oral health professionals receive a robust public health education.”

The celebration will include a back-to-school bash with fun activities for children and guided tours of the state-of-the-art facility, which features advanced technology and comfortable treatment rooms, as well as two designated quiet rooms. Staff will be on hand to share their knowledge of dental care and answer questions.

“United We Smile is actively contributing to the well-being and quality of life for those in need. It is an honor to be part of an initiative that provides essential oral health services and promotes overall health and quality of life in our community,” said Jennifer Kerns, UWNWMI Director of Health Initiatives. “With our partners, we have built a remarkable place where families and veterans can get quality dental care with no hesitation. We are here for them.”

For more information visit www.uwsmile.org. The UWS clinic is located at 4075 Copper Ridge Drive, Traverse City.