Mission and Vision

 

Smiles Matter

Mission

Our mission is to provide dental care to those most in need, regardless of the ability to pay.

Vision

To offer our patients hope and a reason to smile, by expanding our connections to the community, oral health care providers, and students.

Creating Smiles Since 1965

A Mission to Serve

In 1965, the Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities launched a ministry to provide dental care to those in need.

Dr. Dale Jacobsen, his students from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, and dentists from the Saint Paul Dental Society helped start the program. The first clinic was in the basement of the Bethel Hotel in downtown St. Paul.

50 Years of Care

Over five decades, the clinic’s location and staff have changed, while its goal to serve others has remained constant.

From the Bethel Hotel, the growing clinic relocated to Union Gospel Mission’s campus on University Avenue on St. Paul’s East Side. And in January 2018 it became Hope Dental Clinic, an independent non-profit 501(c)3 corporation, now celebrating their 5 years of service.

A New Chapter

Hope Dental continues to serve thousands people every year in its current location. Patients include anyone who lacks dental insurance and the means to pay for care elsewhere.

The clinic continues to rely on the talent of licensed clinicians as well as students entering the dental field. We also would not be able to operate without monetary donations from the community.