'Press Herald' highlights how UNE is addressing Maine’s dental challenges

College of Dental Medicine students Chris Priest and Stephanie Beeckel provide free dental care at the Oral Health Center
College of Dental Medicine students Chris Priest and Stephanie Beeckel provide free dental care at the Oral Health Center

On Friday, November 6, 2018, University of New England dental students and support staff offered free dental care to those who do not have insurance and can not afford treatment as part of the 10th annual Dentists Who Care for ME.

“UNE supports the community as a general rule,” explained Melissa Victory, C.D.A., UNE College of Dental Medicine’s assistant director of Patient Services. “We feel this is a great way to give back by providing some free dental care for people who need it and who otherwise cannot afford it.”

College of Dental Medicine students volunteered their time, providing teeth cleanings, fillings and extractions, under the supervision of faculty members.

“We were just giving back to the community,” stated Emily Floyd (Dental Medicine, ’20). “The Oral Health Center is an awesome place to receive care. All the students here are more than happy to give that care, and we get full hands-on learning while providing it.”

UNE partnered with the Maine Dental Association (MDA) for the event. UNE’s participation was highlighted in the Portland Press Herald and on WGME.

“I am so grateful for UNE’s participation this year,” commented Angela Westhoff, MDA’s executive director. “The students were fabulous. Special thanks to all of the administration and volunteers who made it happen.”

UNE students provided care for 150 patients valued at more than $25,000. Dentists Who Care for ME has helped more than 4,000 patients and provided services valued at over $1.2 million since its inception.

“Many of us are right in the middle of wanting and needing the care but don't have the insurance for it,” said patient Mary Rena. “Some folks will put it off; some people will not have it at all. This event was a real gift.”

This marked the first year that UNE took part in Dentists Who Care for ME.

“Our hope is when our students graduate they will go out into the community and continue to participate in this free dental event, whether they have their own practice or are in a group practice,” said Kimberly Soulard, C.D.A., UNE College of Dental Medicine’s assistant director of Clinical Affairs. 

UNE dental student Stephanie Beeckel performs a cleaning on patient Mary Rena
UNE dental student Stephanie Beeckel performs a cleaning on patient Mary Rena
UNE dental student Emily Floyd being interviewed by WGME
UNE dental student Emily Floyd being interviewed by WGME

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.