Dental Center

St. Vincent Campus

517-913-0015

The Dental Center provides dental care to low-income children, persons with disabilities, and veterans. Thank you to the Delta Dental FoundationUniversity of Michigan Health, and the University of Michigan School of Dentistry for partnering with us to bring these services to our community.

To make an appointment for Victors for Veterans, please contact: [email protected]

To learn about becoming a dental preceptor, please contact: [email protected]

For general inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

Our Facility and Care Model

Terry of T’s Dental Equipment and Repair explains the Dental Center’s sterilization alcove

The Dental Center is a collaboration with the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and Delta Dental Foundation to provide care for underserved populations – low-income children, people with disabilities, and veterans. Third and fourth-year residents of the dental school provide the dental care, switching between the roles of dental hygienist and dentist. The students are overseen by dental preceptors, local dentists who volunteer their time to help patients receive the care they need.

The space features a 3D panoramic x-ray machine, a sterilization alcove, and six patient chairs. Four of our patient chairs are open-concept with two patient rooms on either side – one for the Victor for Veterans program and one designed for patients with disabilities.

Dr. Howard Hamerink of U of M School of Dentistry gives a tour of the dental facility

Clients Served in 2025

Appointments Completed in 2025

Becoming a Dental Preceptor

Dental preceptors are local dentists who volunteer their time to help patients receive the care they need. They oversee the work of the U of M School of Dentistry residents.

Liability insurance is covered under the University of Michigan, and preceptors are also protected under the Good Samaritan Laws in Michigan.

The Michigan Special Volunteer License through the MiPLUS is free to all dentists who apply. The Continuing Education credits still need to be maintained, and the costs of the Continuing Education credits may be able to be offset depending on the preceptor’s level of commitment to the Dental Center.

Victors for Veterans

Through a collaboration with the U of M School of Dentistry’s Victors for Veterans (V4V) program, we will provide vital dental care to local veterans. In 2012, the U of M School of Dentistry saw an opportunity to give their students invaluable experience and make an incredible impact in the lives of veterans in Michigan. “The V4V program provides comprehensive care to disabled, homeless or uninsured veterans who have incomes at or below 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines” (U of M Dentistry News).

V4V is part of U of M Dentistry’s Community-Based Collaborative Care & Education (CBCE). Our Dental Center is proud to be one of 17 dental practices hosting CBCE students. One of our patient rooms is designated for V4V.

To make an appointment, please contact our patient navigator at  [email protected].

Did You Know?

According to CareQuest
  • Veterans experience tooth decay at a 60% higher rate compared to nonveterans
  • On average, veterans’ out-of-pocket costs for dental care is 65% higher compared to costs for nonveterans
  • 85% of veterans eligible to receive health care through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs are not eligible to receive dental care or coverage
  • Nearly 3 million veterans report feeling self-conscious due to the condition of their teeth, mouth, or dentures

Victors for Veterans Scope of Services

• Complete Dentures (Traditional and Digital)

• Fluoride Application

• Oral Examination

• Oral Surgery

• Periodontics

• Prosthodontics

• Restorative Care

• Soft Tissue Biopsy

• Treatment Plan

Dental Care for Children

Our dental practice will provide care for local children whose families cannot afford proper dental care. The CDC reports that nearly 60%  of 6 to 9 year olds from lower income families had cavaties in comparision to 40% of children from higher earning families. At the Dental Center, we are helping to close this gap.

Scope of Services for Children

• Diet Education

• Endodontics

• Fluoride Application

• Oral Examination

• Oral Surgery

• Orthodontics

• Radiography

• Restorative Care

• Sealants

• Treatment Plan

Specialized Care for Patients with Disabilties

Our space and care model are designed to be inclusive of patients with a range of abilities and needs. One of our patient rooms is specialized to create a more comfortable experience for patients who have physical, mental, and sensory needs. The space provides privacy for patients sensitive to motion occurring around them. The walls are heavily insulated to lessen the volume of sounds from outside of the room, creating a calmer environment for those who are sensitive to noise. The room can also accommodate a wheelchair.

Did You Know?
According to CareQuest
  • In households where an individual has a disability, 32.6% had not received dental care in 2 or more years, in comparison to 19.7% of households where no individual has a disability
  • Chronic conditions like heart disease are connected to poor oral health

New Patient Registration

Through our collaboration with our community referral partners, we assure we can provide care to the folks with the greatest need.

Do I have to be Catholic to receive care?

At CCIEC, our mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs or cultural background, receives the care they deserve. We pride ourselves on our diverse and inclusive environment, welcoming patients from all walks of life.

Collaborative Partnerships

Delta Dental and Delta Dental Foundation

Develops and enhances partnerships and programs to improve oral and overall health in local communities through in-kind and financial support

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' Varnish Michigan

Provides free topical fluoride varnish for dental application during well child visits, as well as referral sources for pediatric dental care, and oral health screening surveillance

University of Michigan School of Dentistry

Partnering as a Community-Based Collaborative Care & Education (CBCE) site to host CBCE students through the Victors for Veterans program

Help Our Neighbors Receive Vital Dental Care

Your generous gift will us provide vital dental care to community members in need.

Cristo Rey Campus

1717 N. High Street
Lansing, MI 48906

St. Vincent Campus

2800 W. Willow St.
Lansing, MI 48917

Call Us: (517) 372-4700

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8AM – 5PM

Call Us: (517) 323-4734

Hours: Monday - Friday, 9AM – 4PM

Contact Us

*To contact the Cristo Rey Family Health Center, please click here. To contact the Dental Center, please click here.