Beyond the Chair: HealthFinders Shares Its Dental Model with the State

HealthFinders’ dental leadership team took the stage at the Minnesota Oral Health Coalition Conference to share something powerful: a new way of thinking about dental care. 

The presentation, titled “Beyond the Chair,” wasn’t just about teeth. It was about community. And it showed how HealthFinders is helping young people stay healthy, in school, and connected to care—right where they are. 

Fausto Rodela, Julie Bonham, and Daisey Sanchez represented the HealthFinders team. Together, they spoke to dental professionals from all over the state. 

Their message was simple: Health happens everywhere—not just in clinics. 

A Model Built for Community 

At HealthFinders, care doesn’t start and stop with an appointment. It starts in relationships. It grows through trust. And it reaches people by meeting them in the places they already spend their time—like schools. 

“By having a space at school, we are removing even more barriers to care—core to our mission,” said Fausto, HFC’s Dental Program Coordinator. 

During the 2024–25 school year, HealthFinders provided dental care to nearly 300 students through its school-based outreach program—a 40% increase over the previous year. 

These services aren’t just about checkups. They’re about helping students stay in class, stay healthy, and stay confident. 

Julie, HFC’s dental therapist, explained: “We see kids at school, identify issues, and then the parents actually follow up and get the care they need. Instead of waiting for emergencies, we’re helping kids build a dental home.” 

Real Stories, Real Impact 

The presentation was full of real stories from students and families who’ve received care. 

Fausto talked about a student who didn’t even know what a toothbrush was. After attending a dental education session at school, that student went home and taught her mom how to brush her teeth. It was a simple moment—but a powerful one. 

“We sometimes forget what we take for granted,” Fausto said. “This work opens our eyes.” 

Julie added that one of the most rewarding parts of her job is seeing how these small moments add up to big change. “This is one of my favorite parts of my work at HFC,” she said. 

A Model Others Can Learn From 

HealthFinders' approach connects to a bigger model of whole-person, community-based health. At the heart of that model are relationships—with students, families, schools, and community partners. 

The team also welcomed dental students into HealthFinders’ programs—giving them firsthand experience with school-based care. “We take them to our outreaches,” Julie said. “They get to see what oral health really means in an everyday environment.” 

HealthFinders is proud to be a leader in this work—and to share what they’ve learned. Whether it’s through a school-based clinic or a mobile dental program, the model is rooted in something simple: care that shows up where people are. 

“Who we are is as much a part of our mission as what we do,” Julie reminded the audience. 

HealthFinders plans to keep sharing, learning, and growing. The work they’re doing in schools is just one example of a bigger vision—a vision where care is community-rooted, student-focused, and built for everyone. 

And as more clinics, providers, and community leaders look to build programs that truly reach people, HealthFinders is showing the way forward.