Health

Bridging the Dental Gap

Bridging the Dental Gap is a non-profit organization designed to provide easy access to dental care for those who may not have otherwise have access to dental insurance or care.

Bridging the Dental Gap is open Monday thru Friday with varying office hours. The Clinic opens at 8:00 daily except for holidays and staff meeting dates. Lunch time is at 1:00. We are closed over most lunch periods. The Clinic closes at 5:00 Monday thru Thursday and 1:30 on Fridays. Earlier closing times occur when patients cancel or miss appointments.

Bridging the Dental Gap is located on South 12th Street, just south of Bismarck Expressway, near Jack’s Steakhouse. Parking is located in front of the building for patient ease. We are handicap accessible for wheelchair patients.

Currently 600 plus patient appointments for dental care are provided each month. All patient care is handled through appointments. Toothpain patients are given appointments as soon as possible, some the same day for at least a screening and emergency care.

Bridging the Dental Gap offers basic dental care services for low income, un-insured, under-insured and Medicaid Patients. 68% of the patients served are Medicaid patients. Non-Medicaid patients are served on a sliding fee scale based on the National Poverty level. Discounts are given for services for those patients who qualify. Some patients may choose to pay full fee and are on a payment plan. Our patients range in age from 2 to 100. Patients not on Medicaid are required to make some form of payment at time of service to cover at least part of the costs.

The first step in accessing Bridging the Dental Gap would be to complete the New Patient forms, medical history and income information (if applicable). Verification of income information is required in the forms of bank statements, copies of past tax forms or current copies of paystubs. The receptionists can help you to determine the forms needed.

In most instances, a new patient examination and x-rays are done to determine what dental care is needed. If you have toothpain, this will be treated first. A treatment plan and costs are provided to individuals who are on sliding fee or full fee.

Types of services provided are:

• Exams
• X-rays
• Cleanings (Prophies)
• Fillings (composite and amalgam)
• Extractions
• Root planing and scaling for deep cleaning gums due to infection
• Sealants and fluoride
• Root Canals—primarily on front teeth
• Stainless Steel crowns
• Some partials and dentures

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is also called Healthy Steps. The Healthy Steps insurance is intended to meet the needs of working families, who cannot afford health insurance coverage for their children, yet earn too much to qualify for Medicaid. Coverage is available for uninsured children age 18 and younger who live in families with qualifying incomes. Single 18-year-olds with eligible incomes may also apply.

Healthy Steps insurance is for children who:

• Do not have health insurance coverage
• Are 18 years of age or younger
• Do not qualify for the North Dakota Medicaid Program
• Live in families with qualifying incomes

Services covered may include clinic services, inpatient and outpatient hospitalization, prescriptions, mental health services, preventive well-child exams, immunizations, dental, and vision services are covered (see your own card, once issued, for specific coverage).

To apply:

• Call the toll-free phone number at 1-877-KIDSNOW (1-877-543-7669) to request an application by mail or for information. Healthy Steps brochures include a postage-paid reply postcard which can be used to send for an application.
• Pick up an application at most county Social Service offices.
• Fill out an on-line application on the ND State web site (PDF format).

Completed applications should be mailed to the Medical Services Division in Bismarck for processing. The mailing address is listed on the application. Face to face interviews are not necessary to apply for the children’s health insurance plan.

Ronald McDonald House

Parents or guardians with a pediatric patient receiving medical treatment at any of the local medical facilities in Bismarck may stay at the Ronald McDonald House. Patients are generally 18 and under, but exceptions may be made for financially dependent, unmarried college aged children (up to age 22). Siblings of patient are also welcome with a maximum of 4 family members per room occupancy. Families living 30 miles or more from Bismarck and high risk maternity patients are also eligible for staying at the House.

*Registered guests must be 18 or older. If they are under 18 and unmarried, they must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.