The sudden closure of the United We Smile dental clinic has left hundreds of veterans and special-needs patients without essential care, causing distress among health providers and county officials. The closure, attributed to financial instability and staffing shortages, has prompted urgent calls for action to address the gap in services.
A “Tragedy” for the Community
Jennifer Kearns, the founder of United We Smile, described the clinic’s closure as “a true tragedy for our community,” emphasizing that it “did not need to happen.” Over its two years of operation, the clinic provided over $3.7 million in free dental care, including $1.2 million specifically for veterans.
“The clinic served individuals who were routinely turned away elsewhere,” Kearns said, highlighting veterans without insurance, pregnant women, and people with disabilities as key beneficiaries of the clinic’s services. Kearns noted that not many dentists are trained to treat patients with complex needs, such as uncooperative children, without resorting to sedation, which can be costly.
Financial Struggles and Leadership Changes
Kearns pointed to the financial instability of United Way, which had served as the clinic’s fiduciary partner, as a significant factor in the shutdown. She revealed that United Way’s executive director resigned in May, raising concerns over financial transparency.
“We started realizing issues with money, and we couldn’t ignore them anymore,” Kearns said, explaining that the resignation of the executive director led to a deeper investigation into the clinic’s financial situation. Kearns also claimed that funds were taken from her account to cover legal services related to United Way’s takeover of the clinic, which ultimately led to the disbanding of her board in June.
Additionally, Kearns raised concerns about the fate of a $2.9 million state appropriation intended for the purchase of the clinic’s building, questioning who now controls the funds. “We don’t know what’s happening with the $2.9 million,” she said.
Staffing and Liability Concerns
Dr. David Carlisle, the clinic’s supervising dentist, echoed concerns about the safety of continuing patient care under the current circumstances. With key staff positions eliminated, particularly those required to treat children with complex needs, Carlisle expressed concerns about liability.
“I expressed the liability concerns,” Carlisle said, emphasizing the potential risks if adequate care couldn’t be provided. He resigned on December 30 after his concerns went unanswered.
Impact on Veterans and Special-Needs Patients
While some veterans who were already receiving treatment may still complete their care through volunteer dentists, more than 300 veterans remain on a waiting list with no alternative providers in sight. Kearns confirmed that two volunteer dentists have agreed to finish treating the veterans whose cases were already underway but noted challenges in retrieving medical records from United Way.
“They have graciously agreed to finish the 20-some veterans that are sitting there,” Kearns said.
Representatives from the Health Department of Northwest Michigan confirmed the unique role the clinic played, emphasizing that the gap in services it leaves behind is difficult to fill.
“This was a very niche market,” one official said. “That gap is not going to be filled at this moment.”
County Officials Respond
In response to the closure, Grand Traverse County Commissioners passed a resolution to explore options to ensure that veterans and other high-need populations continue to have access to dental care.