What’s Next for United We Smile After Clinic Closure?
By Beth Milligan | Jan. 23, 2026
The abrupt closure of the United We Smile clinic – which operated until January 2 at Copper Ridge under the fiduciary umbrella of United Way of Northwest Michigan – has raised concerns among Grand Traverse County commissioners about a looming service gap for veterans and other vulnerable groups who need dental care.
Jennifer Kerns, who helped launch United We Smile, and staff dentist David Carlisle appeared before commissioners Wednesday to discuss the clinic’s closure. Since launching in 2023, United We Smile has provided over $3.7 million in dental work for at-risk individuals typically turned away for treatment elsewhere, Kerns said. Patients included not only veterans but pregnant women, individuals with …
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