2026 Partnership with Metro State powered by the Minnesota Department of Health

Written By Tessa M

September 17th, 2026

In 2026, Family Smiles was awarded a Clinical Dental Education Innovations grant from the Minnesota Department of Health. With that support, our new Apple Valley clinic opens this fall as a clinical training site for Metro State University dental therapy and dental hygiene students.

Why it matters

Minnesota needs more dental providers who are prepared to care for families on Minnesota Health Care Programs (Medicaid). About seven in ten of our patients rely on those programs, one in four speaks a language other than English at home, and many drive long distances to reach us because care is hard to find. Students who train in a clinic like ours learn more than clinical skills. They learn how to care for the patients who need them most, and many will choose to keep doing it.

What the project includes

  • Treatment rooms at our Apple Valley clinic set aside and equipped for students.

  • Close mentorship from our dentists.

  • Experienced hygienists and a dental therapist who work alongside students, so no student is left to figure things out alone.

  • Three practice management sessions that cover what school has little time for:

    • insurance billing

    • connecting patients with interpreters, transportation, and coverage renewal

    • the care coordination that helps patients keep their appointments

  • A community referral guide and outreach with local partners, so more families find a dental home.

Our partnership with Metro State University

In February 2026, Family Smiles and Metro State University signed a five-year clinical affiliation agreement. Metro State leads the students' education. Together we are building a lasting path for new providers into community dentistry.

What it means for our patients

Students always work under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Student appointments are longer and unhurried, and the added capacity helps us see more patients sooner.

This project is supported by the Minnesota Department of Health, Clinical Dental Education Innovations Grant Program. Family Smiles-Burnsville received the 2026 Clinical Dental Education Innovations Grant Program from the Minnesota Department of Health. This grant is managed by Dr. Valmore Malskis and can be contacted at info@familysmilesclinic.com.

Tessa M