Board hears about dental care needs throughout northwest Minnesota

Warren Larson, Board Vice President of Northern Dental Access Center in Bemidji, gave a presentation to the Clearwater County Board of Commissioners at their July 21, 2015 meeting. Northern Dental Access Center is a community access, nonprofit dental clinic located in Bemidji, which provides dental care for low income people within the entire region of rural, northwest Minnesota.

The purpose of his visit was to seek a resolution from the Clearwater County Board, in support of legislation, something he is also doing in other northwest Minnesota counties, to fill the need for a more functional dental facility in the area. A letter he handed out said, "We hope to gain State Bonding funding to support the construction of a new and larger dental clinic."

The resolution explains the lack of access to dental care that is common among people experiencing poverty or other life challenges, and how the lack of adequate dental care negatively affects the health of individuals in the county.

He said they have eight full time dental chairs, and there are still more patients than can be served, with 1000 calls or more per month requesting their services. There are 70,000 people that qualify as patients in northwest Minnesota, and 1,100 with Clearwater County addresses that are now patients.

"We are not seeking money," Mr. Larson said, "but seeking legislative support, with one bill in the Senate, and one in the House. We are looking for support from the area."

They have a lot of retired dentists who decide how much they want to work, new dentists who may come in a day a week until their practice is established, and students who will be coming from the University of Minnesota Dental School, with whom they have begun a partnership.

Larson said their current facility is not very efficient, such as their heating and cooling system, the layout of the building, and limited parking with the growth in number of patients. They are in a leased facility that has been expanded multiple times with no more capacity to grow to adequately meet the growing demand for care.

"To do the best job, we are going for bonding," he said. "We are looking for long term sustainability, and to be financially stable."

The dental facility is working with Sanford to acquire land, and work close with pediatricians and emergency rooms who refer those in need of their services.

Commissioner Neal Illies asked what affect this facility might have on local dentists, citing his concerns about the impact such a facility and expansion might have on them. "I don't like to see local business hurt," he says.

Larson replied, "There is a shortage of local dentists, and reimbursement is so low, it is hard to take this (service) on. That is why we are doing this."

The resolution was passed unanimously by the commissioners.

Environmental Services Director, Dan Hecht brought a motion regarding a "Minor Subdivision", at the recommendation of the Planning Commission, the commission Dean Newland sits on. After such a recommendation, the Board must make final approval.

This subdivision plan sits on the north shore of Pine Lake, which is now one parcel and would be divided into seven parcels.

He said it came with a road maintenance agreement for township road which the township would take over. The residents would set up an association where they all enter into a covenant where all would pitch in for needs such as gravel.

"We don't have a market for development, even shoreline," he said. "It's nice to see this one come through, especially with a road maintenance agreement."

It was determined there is a total of 43 acres involved in this Minor Subdivision. A motion to move forward with the subdivision, made by Commissioner Illies, and seconded by Commissioner John Nelson, was passed with yes votes from all commissioners.

Harry Hutchens, III, County Veterans Service Officer brought his quarterly report for the period from April 1 to June 30, 2015. He attended the 2015 Minnesota Safety Council Conference and training sessions in May. He attended the 2015 National Association of CVSO Conference, completed primary accreditation and certification to work on Operations Improvement Grants.

Commissioner Arlen Syverson commended him on arranging for the transporting of Veterans to VA appointments.

"He does a tremendous job, and goes out of his way to take care of the arrangements," Arlen said. The CVSO said it was due to the help of several dependable people.

Hutchens said there are five Minnesota Veterans Homes, and that northwest Minnesota is ready for a home here. There is a process of bonding that takes time to go through, both state and federal, and Sanford may donate the land after that takes place.

"I love visits," he said. "Drop in and see me."

County Auditor-Treasurer Allen Paulson received authorization to pay the submitted invoices of $91,663 from the County Revenue Fund, and $9,138 from Nursing Service.

Commissioners present at the meeting were Daniel Stenseng, Dean Newland, John Nelson, Neal Illies and Arlen Syverson.