Caring Hands Dental Clinic

About Us

Our Story – Alexandria Location

Caring Hands Dental Clinic began as a vision over two decades ago by founders Al and Mary-Lou Olsen local to Alexandria, and a supportive group of caring local volunteers. The first five years of the clinic's existence was facilitated entirely by volunteers. Patient's utilizing state insurance programs were referred for hygiene and treatment to improve their oral health. This program took some of the pressure off other local dentists as well as hospital's emergency room, but still, the area was lacking the need for numerous providers to serve patients on the Minnesota Care programs for preventative and restorative dental care and education. Without preventative and restorative care and education available, there would be no slowdown in the need for care or emergencies.

In 2006, the Board obtained additional funding and opened the doors of the Caring Hands Dental Clinic. It first began in a borrowed space in a local chiropractor’s office. Not long after that, the big push began, and the clinic established its home in the Marion Building, located at 700 Cedar Street in Alexandria.

The clinic has gone through enormous growth and changes. Through generous donations and grants, the clinic expanded in July of 2012. This expansion included a full-time staff.  

Our Story – Pipestone Location

Caring Hands Dental Clinic’s efforts started back in 2017 to open a clinic in Pipestone. 

Then in 2018, Pipestone County received a $500,000 Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) grant through the state bonding bill for a dental clinic. Pipestone County would have owned the building, and the clinic would have equipped and maintained it. However, with the DEED grant, buildings are required to be sustainable, which added around $250,000 to the project.

The clinic then bought city-owned property where it is now located at 301 11th Street NE, and construction started right away.

Caring Hands Dental Clinic-Pipestone opened on June 6th, 2022.

Two Convenient Locations