University of New England

UNE's Dental Hygiene
Clinic seeks patients for affordable dental care
 
PORTLAND, Maine - University of New England's Dental Hygiene Clinic is looking for 300 additional patients for dental assessments, cleanings and x-rays over the next month.

The University's dental hygiene students provide these services under the close, direct supervision of dental hygiene faculty for approximately $27 per visit. With similar visits at a private practice dental office costing up to $250, these services are affordable to most people, and anyone may schedule an appointment for this critical preventative dental care.
 
Having seen a downturn recently in patient visits, Clinic Director Bernice Mills states, "In these difficult economic times, many people put off their preventive care; however, preventative care is much less expensive than more involved dental work done later. Research has proven that oral hygiene care is directly related to our whole body health and early detection of gum disease can prevent problems later in life. For example, there is a link between oral health and heart disease and stroke."
 
The Dental Hygiene Clinic, located at UNE's Westbrook College Campus at 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland, is open from September through April during weekdays. For appointments, the public can call (207) 221-4900, Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
 
For some 40 years, UNE's Clinic has been providing preventive dental services including teeth cleaning, oral inspection, x-rays, fluoride treatment and sealant placement for thousands of patients. As a teaching clinic, appointments may require more time than a typical dentist's office, but the care is thorough and is under the direct supervision of dental hygiene faculty.

Fees
The fees, charged to offset the cost of operating the clinic, depend on the patient's age and needs. For patients age 12 and under, the fee averages $20, and for patients age 13 and over, the fee averages $30. There is also a discount for senior citizens. There may be additional charges for a full set of x-rays or other services if needed.
 
With some 5000 patient visits per year, the Clinic sees people in all age ranges, from as far away as Kittery, Bethel and Camden. Director Bernice Mills said, "We have patients that have been coming to the Dental Hygiene Clinic since they were children and are now bringing children of their own. Clearly, we are filling a need in Maine for these services." 

(Press release post March 24, 2008)