That is why Aid For Kids, a Houlton based nonprofit dedicated to improving life for children and families worldwide, is trying to change that.
The organization is sponsoring its first ever Free Dental Care Days in partnership with Caring Hands of Maine and the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. Caring Hands of Maine is a charitable organization whose mission is to provide accessible, high quality health care services to rural communities in Maine, according to its website. The Ellsworth based dental center is led by led by a dentist, Dr. Timothy Oh.
Dannette Ellis of Aid For Kids said on Friday that she got the idea for the Dental Care Days, which will be held at the Rollerama in Houlton 494 North Street on June 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on June 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. after Caring Hands of Maine visited Houlton for an Aid For Kids health fair in 2015.
“They really enjoyed being up here, and they talked a great deal about what they did,” she said. “So I told them that we have a lot of people up here who can’t afford to see a dentist, especially children. I knew that they travel around to a lot of the Maine islands, and I wondered if they would make a trip up here. They said they would do it.”
The student dentists, under the supervision of Dr. Oh, will see children ages 0-18 and perform cleanings, fillings, sealants, screenings, treatments and more.
“If we reach children who have never been to a dentist before, maybe we can get them used to it and get into the habit of taking care of their teeth regularly,” said Ellis. “I know that we have a shortage of dentists up here, so it is difficult, but it is so important to teach children to have good dental health.”
All care is free. People are encouraged to make appointments to minimize wait times, according to Ellis. For an appointment, call 667-6789 or 532-4107.
