Partners come together to bring smiles to Maine's future

The University of New England is collaborating with the Maine Department of Education and the Maine Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Network to launch an innovative program that will demonstrate to Maine's youth the benefit of careers in dental health. 

Called "Smiles for Maine's Future," the program has several components.  In summer 2010, participating students will experience high-tech dental simulators at UNE's dental hygiene clinic, shadow local dental professionals to see what it is like to be part of an oral health clinical team, and meet with UNE health professions leaders to learn about dental health careers. 

Hands-On Simulation

Utilizing state-of-the-art dental simulation units, Maine students will experience a real-life, hands-on introduction to oral health professions.  Dental simulation is a realistic, computerized teaching tool that provides immediate user feedback during a practice session.  Students will be able to hold and use dental instruments, and even drill and fill a cavity. The system will provide instant feedback by alerting a student who, for example, applies too much pressure or drills too deeply while preparing a tooth for filling. 

UNE will also participate in the Franklin Community Health Network Scrub Club in Farmington.  At this week-long health professions camp, 8th to 11th grade students will have an opportunity to use UNE‚Äôs portable dental simulator and learn about the rewards of numerous oral health careers. 

GEAR UP

As part of this unique partnership, UNE will work directly with GEAR UP schools to encourage youth from low- to moderate-income families living in rural communities to participate in this program.  GEAR UP helps to create a sustainable culture in schools that supports students who are economically disadvantaged in preparing for, accessing, and succeeding in postsecondary education.  GEAR UP supports approximately 5,000 students at 49 schools across the state, and is a federally funded program administered by the Maine Department of Education and the Maine Support Network.

David Noble Stockford, policy director and team leader for special services for the Maine Department of Education, states, "This program provides Maine students with a unique hands-on opportunity to explore dental care careers in a fun and engaging way.  It also allows these students to connect their classroom experiences in science and math with real-world applications, and to learn from professionals who can share their insights."

UNE is the leading educator of health care professionals for Maine and its program is part of a strategic effort to interest Maine students in oral health professions.

Shortage of Oral Health Professionals

Maine is experiencing a severe shortage of oral health professionals, including both dentists and dental hygienists, particularly in the rural areas of the state. The University of New England has operated a dental hygiene program at its Portland campus since 1961 and is currently making plans to open a College of Dental Medicine in 2012 pending successful fund-raising.

This program has been made possible through grants from TD Bank, the Betterment Fund, and Bangor Savings Bank.  Similar efforts are being planned for youth across Northern New England.

For information, contact Kneka Smith, UNE associate dean for planning, at 207-221-4123.