A not-for-profit dental clinic that serves low-income patients in the Bismarck-Mandan area has given away $1 million in care since its inception two and a half years ago.

Bridging the Dental Gap, which opened in Bismarck in August 2004, has now provided basic dental care for 3,900 patients. The clinic accepts Medicaid patients and uses a sliding fee scale for patients who can't afford to pay the full amount. The clinic and its lone full-time dentist, Joanne Luger, have now given away $1 million in discounted services or uncompensated care.

Bridging the Dental Gap accepts patients who live within 50 miles of Bismarck-Mandan. It's located at 1223 S. 12th St., Suite No. 1.