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.
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.
