Maine to get new dentistry school
The University of New England has asked the State of Main to help it fund a brand new school of dentistry.
The educational establishment (UNE) asked state legislators to back a proposal which would see a $7million bond issued to help pay for the school.
UNE has agreed to raise the rest of the money itself and Dr Danielle Ripich, university president, said that it had already allocated millions of dollars to the project.
If plans go ahead a new teaching clinic will be built at UNE’s Portland campus. Fourth-year students will also be sent out to in small community clinics all over the state for six-month periods.
UNE has estimated that these plans could make dental treatment available for as many 60,000 low-income Mainers.
Biddeford oral surgeon Dr Jeffrey Doss, who helped create the UNE proposal, said that there is currently a serious lack of dentists in Maine and that this situation is worsening as many experienced oral health professionals retire every year.
Estimates suggest that there are around 600 dentists currently practicing in main and that 41% of these are 55 and above.
The state now has to select which institution will benefit from the bonds so that a dental school proposal can go forward.
UNE is feeling confident as it is the only institution in the state that is working on a dental school plans.
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