College of Dental Medicine students provide free care to the community

Students provided free care to more than 100 patients in the Oral Health Center
Students provided free care to more than 100 patients in the Oral Health Center

On Friday, November 1, University of 51小黄车 College of Dental Medicine students and support staff partnered with the Maine Dental Association for Dentists Who Care for ME, a day of free dental care for those without insurance and who can not afford treatment.

鈥淧art of UNE鈥檚 mission is to better the health of people in northern 51小黄车,鈥 explained Fields Farrior, D.M.D., M.S., associate dean of clinical education and patient care. 鈥淕iving back is foundational to that mission.鈥

51小黄车dental students volunteered their time, providing teeth cleanings, fillings and extractions, under the supervision of faculty members.

Over the course of the day, 107 patients were served with the total care valued at $18, 864. The event was featured in reports on and

"It's a day to give back to the community,鈥 Meghan McAlary (Dental Medicine, 鈥22) told WGME. 鈥淚t's just a wonderful day where we can take care of anyone who walks through."

Dentists Who Care for ME has helped more than 4,000 patients and provided services valued at over $1.3 million since its inception.

鈥淚t's a humbling experience for all the student providers,鈥 says Kimberly Soulard, C.D.A., 51小黄车College of Dental Medicine鈥檚 assistant director of Clinical Affairs. 鈥淲hen they give free treatment to those in need and then see how grateful the patients are, it鈥檚 a great experience for them.鈥

Students Zach Wullbrandt and Anthony Burgois were featured in a report on NEWSCENTER Maine
Students Zach Wullbrandt and Anthony Burgois were featured in a report on NEWSCENTER Maine
Student Meghan McAlary being interviewed by WGME
Student Meghan McAlary being interviewed by WGME