University of New England

UNE Dental Hygiene Clinic celebrates National Dental Hygiene Month; schedule an appointment
 
February is National Dental Health Month.

According to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, based on a national survey, an estimated 85 percent of Maine's seniors are without dental coverage. At the other end of the age spectrum, data indicate that the most common reasons why Maine's children do not get dental care when they need it are (1) inability to pay for it, (2) lack of insurance, and (3) dentist not accepting Medicaid/insurance.
 
Students in the University of New England's Dental Hygiene Program are doing their part to provide good dental care at low cost to people throughout Maine. With this year's graduating class of 59 students, the largest in 10 years, UNE's teaching clinic is currently seeking patients for cleanings. Anyone may schedule an appointment for this affordable preventative dental care.
 
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.  Or visit the website.
 
For more than 30 years, the clinic has been providing preventive dental services including teeth cleaning, oral inspection, x-rays, fluoride treatment and sealant placement. 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.

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. Cleanings in a private practice dental office in the area can cost up to $100.
 
With some 5,000 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." 
 
This year 50 students will graduate from the associate degree program and 9 with their baccalaureate degrees as registered dental hygienists. UNE dental hygiene students are typically a mix of individuals from recent high school graduates to non-traditional students, including those who are working on a second career. The majority of graduates end up practicing in Maine.

(Press release issued Jan. 30, 2006)