At UMA, learning does not stop at the classroom door. It travels into schools, community events, and neighborhoods across Maine.

�鶹APP Dental Club is a student-led example of what that looks like in action.

Throughout the year, club members volunteer at local outreach events, connect with families about oral health, and represent �鶹APP dental programs in the community. Whether they are sharing preventive care tips with children, supporting local organizations, or collaborating with dental professionals, students are building skills that matter while making a difference that is felt.

For many members, the club is where confidence grows. It is where classroom concepts become real conversations. It is where future dental professionals begin to see themselves as leaders and educators, not just students.

Their work reflects what defines UMA: education that meets students where they are and prepares them to serve where they are needed most. Through hands-on service, Dental Club members strengthen their clinical knowledge, communication skills, and commitment to community health, all while reinforcing the importance of accessible, preventive care across Maine.

This kind of engagement embodies �鶹APP mission to transform lives through high-quality education, student support, and civic engagement. It also reflects �鶹APP belief that progress happens when we work together, building partnerships that make education more connected, relevant, and valuable.

In every photo, there is more than a moment. There is preparation for a career, connection to a community, and the steady growth of students who are already making an impact.

The �鶹APP’s dental assisting program has received the accreditation status of approval without reporting requirements from the Commission on Dental Accreditation. This is the highest level of recognition CODA grants, signifying that the program meets or exceeds all standards of quality and requires no additional reporting until its next review in 2032.

�鶹APP program is the only accredited dental assisting program in Maine, making this recognition particularly significant for students and for the state’s health care workforce. Accreditation assures students that their education at UMA is nationally recognized for quality and rigor, providing the skills and clinical training needed to excel in a growing profession.

“This achievement is a reflection of the dedication of our faculty, staff and students,” said Assistant Professor of Dental Health and Dental Assisting and Expanded Functions Program Coordinator Courtney Noonan. “Accreditation at this level ensures that students choosing UMA can count on a program that will transform their training into real opportunities, from licensure to meaningful careers in dental care.”

CODA’s accreditation supports graduates in pursuing licensure and enhances their employment opportunities. For Maine, it ensures a steady pipeline of well-prepared dental professionals who are ready to serve communities across the state.

“This recognition underscores �鶹APP leadership in workforce development,” said UMA President Jenifer Cushman. “We are proud to provide students with access to high-quality, accredited programs that transform lives while also meeting Maine’s health care needs.”

�鶹APP dental assisting program is part of its larger dental health programs, which include dental hygiene, and expanded functions dental assisting through the UMA Dental Health Center in Bangor and Lewiston. Students in these programs benefit from hands-on experience, faculty expertise and a learning environment that supports both academic and professional growth.

Free Dental Cleanings and Exams available for children��through “Give Kids a Smile Day” at UMA Dental Health Clinic

March 4, 2022

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

UMA Dental Hygiene Clinic – Bangor Campus

201 Texas Avenue, Bangor

Pre- COVID-19 image provided: Courtesy of UMA.

The �鶹APP Dental Health Clinic is hosting its annual��“Give Kids a Smile Day”��in partnership with the��American Dental Association��this year.�� The second day of the “Give Kids a Smile Day” event will be held on March 4 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm at the UMA Dental Hygiene Clinic located on �鶹APP Bangor campus at 201 Texas Avenue in Bangor. The event was held on two-days to ensure that the same number of children could be served while maintaining all necessary COVID-19 protocols. The UMA Dental Hygiene Clinic operates according to the American Dental Association and Maine CDC recommended safety requirements and precautions.

Children ages five to 18, who do not have a dentist, can schedule free dental appointments to get cleanings, exams, x-rays, fluoride treatments, and dental hygiene education. Students from���鶹APP Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs��will be providing care with the aid of staff dentists and faculty members from �鶹APP Dental Health Programs.

All patients, guests, students, and staff are required to wear face coverings.��Contact the UMA Dental Health Clinic at 262-7872 or email at��bangorhygschool@maine.edu��for more information about the event, required COVID-19 protocols, and to make an appointment

Wednesday, November 17, 2021 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

The UMA Lewiston Center will hold a virtual Information Session this November for those interested in pursuing admission in �鶹APP Dental Assisting or Expanded Functions Dental Assisting (EFDA) Programs.�� The Information Session is scheduled for November 17, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.�� To attend, please register online at ��or��call 753-6600 by November 16 to receive a Zoom link.

Those participating in the virtual Information Session will be provided with a sneak peek of the UMA Lewiston Center’s new dental clinic and have an opportunity to find out more about the Dental Assisting and EFDA Program requirements, information on the admissions process, financial aid and tuition, and��operations at the campus.

Program faculty, as well as Admissions staff, will be available during the Information Session to assist prospective students in completing the free UMA admissions application and the free application for Federal Student Financial Aid (FAFSA). Attendees can also learn about the various scholarships offered by UMA, including the��Pine Tree State Pledge�����Ի���UMA $10K��that offer no cost, or low cost, tuition to qualified students.

Anyone interested in attending the Information Session is encouraged to RSVP online at����or��call 753-6600 by November 16 to receive a Zoom link.

Wednesday, April 28, 2021 – 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Thursday, April 29, 2021 – 6:00 – 7:00 pm

The UMA Lewiston Center will hold two virtual Information Sessions this April for those interested in pursuing admission in �鶹APP Dental Assisting or Expanded Functions Dental Assisting (EFDA) Programs.�� The Information Sessions are scheduled for April 28 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and April 29 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.�� To attend, please register online at ��or��call 753-6600 by April 27 to receive a Zoom link.

Those participating in the virtual Information Sessions will receive a video tour of the UMA Lewiston Center’s newly completed dental clinic and have an opportunity to find out more about the Dental Assisting and EFDA Program requirements, information on the admissions process, financial aid and tuition, and��operations at the campus.

Program faculty, as well as Admissions staff, will be available during the Information Sessions to assist prospective students in completing the free UMA admissions application and the free application for Federal Student Financial Aid (FAFSA). Attendees can also learn about the various scholarships offered by UMA, including the��Pine Tree State Pledge�����Ի���UMA $10K��that offer no cost, or low cost, tuition to qualified students.

Anyone interested in attending the Information Sessions is encouraged to RSVP online at����or��call 753-6600 by April 27 to receive a Zoom link.

The �鶹APP and the Maine Public Health Association will host a webinar featuring a panel of experts on oral health (in)equities in Maine.

Date:��Friday, April 2 Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Location:��Virtual webinar

This event is free and open to the public, however, registration is required.��To receive the registration information from the Health Equity Dialogue Team once it is available, please complete the following form:

Program:��The Health Equity Dialogues will continue its topical discussions around the concept that health equity is the justice principle that everyone should have an equal opportunity to achieve health. April’s event will provide a panel of experts on dental and oral health care and equity in Maine.

Panelists include:

• Jennifer Crittenden, PhD, MSW (she/her/hers), Assistant Professor of Social Work and Associate Director for UMaine Center on Aging;
• Becca Matusovich (she/hers), Executive Director for Partnership for Children’s Oral Health;
• Kalie Hess (she/her), Associate Director for Partnership for Children’s Oral Health;
• Kellie Stanhope, RDH, BSDH, EFDA, Professional Clinical Teacher II at �鶹APP Dental Health Programs, and in association with From the First Tooth; and
• Kathryn Walker, RDH, EFDA, MSEd, Assistant Professor of Dental Health at UMA

The goal of the Health Equity Dialogues is to convene and connect scholars, community members, public health professionals, and healthcare practitioners across disciplinary divides and siloes to work on high-priority community health challenges in Maine.

The Health Equity Dialogue series, an initiative of the UMA Social Sciences Program, is led by Assistant Professor of Sociology Kate Darling, Ph.D. and Assistant Professor of Communication Valerie Rubinsky, Ph.D.

Event Co-Sponsors: , �鶹APP Women Invigorating the Curriculum and Cultivating Diversity (WICCD) Committee, and the Augusta Student Government Association. Funding for this program is provided, in part, by a UMA Student Success Mini-Grant.

Please contact Matraca Bellegarde��matraca.bellegarde@maine.edu��if you have disability access needs for the event.

UMA Dental Health Programs Coordinator Nancy Foster

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) in Bangor held a vaccination clinic for healthcare workers at an event on January 23. The UMA Dental Health Programs’ faculty, staff, and students were provided the opportunity to take part and receive the first dose of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and 26 participated in the event.

Dental Health Programs Coordinator and Associate Professor of Dental Health, Nancy Foster was one of several members of the UMA Dental Health Program that received a COVID-19 vaccine during the clinic. “We grateful that EMMC included individuals in the UMA Dental Health Program as part of the clinic,” stated Professor Foster. “To have the opportunity to receive this vaccine just 6 weeks after the FDA’s approval for emergency use authorization is simply amazing.”

Also taking part in the clinic were healthcare providers including area dental practitioners and their support staff. Nancy reported that it was “exciting to see so many people participating” with an estimated 800 people scheduled on this one day.�� She observed the positive energy, optimistic outlook, and feelings of hope by the participants for the end of this pandemic, something she has not experienced for a long while.

February 19 and March 12, 2021
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

UMA Dental Hygiene Clinic – Bangor Campus
201 Texas Avenue, Bangor

Pre- COVID-19 image provided: Courtesy of UMA.

The �鶹APP Dental Health Clinic is hosting its annual “Give Kids a Smile Day” in partnership with the American Dental Association over a two day period this year. The “Give Kids a Smile Day” will be held on February 19 and March 12 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm at the UMA Dental Hygiene Clinic located on �鶹APP Bangor campus at 201 Texas Avenue in Bangor. The two-day event helps to ensure that the same number of children will be served while maintaining all necessary COVID-19 protocols. The UMA Dental Hygiene Clinic operates according to the American Dental Association and Maine CDC recommended safety requirements and precautions.

Children ages one to 18 who do not have a dentist can schedule free dental appointments to get cleanings, exams, x-rays, fluoride treatments, and dental hygiene education. Students from �鶹APP Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs will be providing care with the aid of staff dentists and faculty members from �鶹APP Dental Health Programs.

All patients, students, and staff are required to wear face coverings and undergo symptom and temperature screenings upon entry to the UMA Dental Clinic. For more information about the event, required COVID-19 protocols, and to make an appointment contact the clinic at 262-7872 or email at bangorhygschool@maine.edu.

This opportunity to expand the dental programs to the UMA Lewiston Center was made possible through multiple funding sources, including a $100,000 grant through the University of Maine System’s Program Innovation Fund, a $50,000 grant from the , and a $25,000 grant received from the .

Until this innovative program, �鶹APP Dental Assisting Program and EFDA curriculum have been limited to offering laboratory and preclinical courses on the UMA-Bangor Campus where the UMA Dental Programs are currently located. Establishing a clinic at a UMA center provides an opportunity for place-bound students interested in pursuing a professional program to do so close to home. Immediately upon graduation, these graduates are ready to enter the workforce in their communities.

The portable nature of the clinic allows UMA, over a two-year period, to help meet the dental workforce and community needs of a specific area of Maine before relocating to another UMA Center to do the same. Enrollment for the first cohort of EFDA and Dental Assisting students is now open with classes beginning in January 2021!

“UMA is excited to bring its Dental Assisting Programs to the Lewiston Auburn area,” stated UMA President Rebecca Wyke. “This new rotating dental clinic concept allows us to expand into areas where students can pursue dental careers close to home. This also provides educational opportunities that are beneficial in growing Maine’s workforce.”

“UMA offers the only EFDA program and accredited dental assisting program in the State of Maine. Upon graduating from an accredited dental assisting program, students are immediately eligible to apply to the Maine Board of Dental Practice for a State of Maine Dental Radiographer license and may also take the Dental Assisting National Board exam to become a Certified Dental Assistant,” acknowledged Amanda Willette, UMA Assistant Professor of Dental Health. “There is a significant need for credentialed dental assistants throughout Maine, particularly in the Southern and Mid-coast regions. A critical element of improving access to quality dental care is having an adequate workforce to meet the needs of a community,” Willette stated.

There are no fees to apply to UMA for admission and no application fee to complete the Federal Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) form. UMA also offers various scholarships, including the Pine Tree State Pledge and UMA $10K that offer no cost, or low cost, tuition to qualified students.