James Koelbl interviewed by WGME on story about Maine's dentist shortage

James J. Koelbl, D.D.S., M.S., M.J., dean of the College of Dental Medicine, was interviewed by WGME13 news for a Nov. 10, 2011 story about Maine's dentist shortage.

WGME cited a new study that found Maine has the worst dentist-to-population ratio in the country. The story looked at several options that might address the shortage and noted that "it's hopeful a new dental school at the University of New England, the first in Northern New England will train future dentists who will decide to stay in Maine." 

UNE's program, scheduled to open with its first class in fall 2013, is designed to help address shortage issues by placing its fourth-year students in satellite dental clinics in rural areas that provide services to underserved populations. The college will also will favor applicants who have shown an interest in community service.

"Then you have increased the chances that they will go back to their communities and provide health care," Dean Koelbl explained on camera.

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.