A healthier community starts with caring for one another.
We've all experienced a toothache at some point. Now imagine that pain becoming unbearable, only to discover that you can't find a dentist who will treat you because you don't have insurance, can't afford the care, or rely on Medicaid.
For thousands of our neighbors in Lincoln, this is an everyday reality.
An estimated 18,000 people in our community lack access to affordable dental care. And with approximately 95–96% of Lincoln dental offices not accepting Medicaid, finding help can feel nearly impossible.
So where do people turn when the pain becomes too much? Often, it's the emergency room.
While our hospitals do an incredible job caring for our community, emergency rooms aren't equipped to fix most dental problems. They can provide temporary relief through medication, but patients often leave with the same underlying problem—and a significant medical bill.
The impact adds up. Between 2019 and 2023, Nebraska emergency departments recorded more than 35,000 visits for dental conditions, costing approximately $105 million. That's an enormous amount of healthcar
e spending on problems that could be more effectively—and affordably treated in a dental clinic.
Thankfully, we have a community resource that's making a difference.
Bluestem Health's Dental Clinic is helping fill this critical gap. From routine dental care to emergency treatments, Bluestem Health provides compassionate, affordable services to people who might otherwise have nowhere to turn.
In 2025 alone, Bluestem Health cared for 2,422 dental patients. And 82% of those patients were uninsured or relied on Medicaid.
But there's a challenge. The cost of providing this care far exceeds the funding available. In fact, Bluestem Health loses approximately $180 on every emergency dental visit.
Whether you're an individual, a local business, or an organization looking to make a meaningful difference, we need your help.
A gift of $180 can help close the funding gap for one emergency dental visit. A monthly donation can provide ongoing support. And, businesses and community partners can make an even greater impact by investing in this essential service.
Every gift matters. Every partnership matters. And every person who receives the care they need matters.
When someone can get relief from pain, return to work, care for their family, or simply smile without discomfort, our whole community benefits.
We have an opportunity to take care of our neighbors while easing the burden on our local healthcare system.
Let's come together to make sure affordable dental care is available to those who need it most.
