Forty children received free preventive dental care at Â鶹APP Bangor Dental Hygiene Clinic during this year’s Give Kids a Smile® Day, a program that continues to make a meaningful difference for Maine families. Hosted by Â鶹APP Dental Hygiene program, the one-day clinic connected children ages 5 to 19 who do not have a regular dentist with cleanings, exams, X-rays, fluoride treatments and sealants. Each child was also seen by a dentist, ensuring comprehensive care in a supportive setting designed just for them.

For many families, the clinic offered more than an appointment. It provided reassurance, answers to questions and practical guidance to support healthy habits at home.Under the supervision of licensed professionals, dental hygiene students provided care while gaining hands-on clinical experience that prepares them to service communities across Maine.

Under the supervision of licensed professionals, dental hygiene students delivered care while gaining hands-on clinical experience that prepares them to meet Maine’s growing oral health workforce needs. The event reflects Â鶹APP commitment to accessible, community-centered education that meets real needs across the state.

By the end of the day, students had strengthened their clinical skills, families left with helpful  guidance, and 40 young Mainers went home with healthier smiles. Events like Give Kids a Smile® Day highlight the powerful role UMA students play in supporting the health of communities across the state.

See our video from Give Kids a Smile® Day.

UMA’s Dental Hygiene Clinic has spring appointments available for children and adults.

UMA Dental offers low-cost comprehensive Dental Hygiene Care. All services are under the supervision of licensed dental faculty.

For more information and to schedule an appointment with the UMA Bangor Campus Dental Clinic, call 207-262-7872 or email umadental@maine.edu. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

The Â鶹APP (UMA) Dental Health Program has received a $5,000 grant from the Maine Veterans’ Dental Network (MVDN), funded by Northeast Delta Dental, to provide free dental care for veterans. This funding is part of a larger $300,000 grant awarded to MVDN to continue expanding access to essential oral healthcare for Maine veterans.

Since its launch by Governor Janet Mills and Northeast Delta Dental in 2021, the MVDN has provided oral health services to 1,471 Maine veterans — many receiving dental care for the first time since separating from the military. The network collaborates with nonprofit dental clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers and Maine’s dental teaching institutions, including UMA, to connect veterans with preventive and restorative care.

“Our veterans have given so much to Maine and the nation, and the least we can do in return is ensure they have the support they need to maintain their health and well-being,” said Governor Janet Mills. “I thank Northeast Delta Dental for their continued generosity and the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services for administering the program. Together, this important partnership will ensure more Maine veterans have access to the dental services they deserve.”

This marks the fourth consecutive year UMA has received MVDN funding, which will support dental hygiene preventive services, radiographs and basic restorative care at Â鶹APP dental clinic in Bangor. The grant is expected to serve approximately 80 veterans.

“At UMA, we are dedicated to providing high-quality dental care while also giving our students hands-on experience that makes a real impact in the community,” said Associate Professor and Dental Health Programs Coordinator Nancy Foster. “We are incredibly grateful for this continued support, which allows us to provide services for Maine’s veterans and help improve their overall health and well-being.”

UMA has a longstanding commitment to serving veterans, military service members and their families. As a Military Friendly school and a Military Times Best for Vets institution, UMA provides dedicated student support services and flexible learning options tailored to meet the needs of those who have served.

“We are honored to receive this funding once again and to continue providing essential dental care to Maine’s veterans,” Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the College of Professional Studies Brenda McAleer. “This grant aligns with Â鶹APP mission to support those who have served our country by offering them high-quality, accessible services.”

To determine eligibility, veterans interested in MVDN services can visit or call 207-287-6836.

Learn more about Â鶹APP Dental Health Patient Services.

The Â鶹APP’s (UMA) Dental Health Programs on the Bangor Campus will once again open their doors to the community with the annual “Give Kids a Smile® Day,” an event dedicated to improving children’s oral health. Scheduled for Friday, February 21, 2025, the event provides free preventive dental care to children ages 5 to 19 who do not currently have a dental home.

Services offered include cleanings, dental x-rays, sealants, fluoride treatments, and a comprehensive dental examination. The event, sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA), is an opportunity for families to access high-quality dental care at no cost while promoting lifelong oral health habits.

“Give Kids a Smile® Day is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and support the health and well-being of our children,” said Associate Professor, Dental Health Programs Coordinator and Dental Hygiene Program Director Nancy Foster. “Through the dedication of our dental hygiene students and faculty, we’re able to provide essential preventive oral healthcare and education to children at no cost. Our goal is to create healthy smiles and lasting impact while emphasizing the importance of oral health.”

About the UMA Dental Health Programs

The Â鶹APP’s Dental Health Programs offer a comprehensive education in dental hygiene and dental assisting, preparing students to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in Maine and beyond. With state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on community engagement, UMA is at the forefront of advancing oral health in the region with dental training facilities on the Bangor campus and at the Lewiston center. Additionally, the University of Maine System Board of Trustees recently gave final approval to the Â鶹APP to expand its allied dental health education programs to the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s campus as part of a multi-university partnership to improve rural oral health care access and outcomes. For more information about Â鶹APP dental programs, please visit uma.edu/dental.

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

UMA Dental Hygiene Clinic – UMA Bangor Campus

201 Texas Avenue, Bangor

The Â鶹APP (UMA) Dental Health Clinic is hosting its annual Give Kids a Smile® day in partnership with the American Dental Association. The event will be held on February 23 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm at the UMA Dental Hygiene Clinic located on Â鶹APP Bangor campus at 201 Texas Avenue in Bangor. The UMA Dental Hygiene Clinic operates according to the American Dental Association and Maine CDC recommended safety requirements and precautions.

Children ages 5 to 19, 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 Â鶹APP Dental Hygiene programs will be providing care with the aid of staff dentists, and faculty members from Â鶹APP Dental Health Programs and volunteer dentists from the community.

For more information about the event, and to make an appointment contact the clinic at 262-7872 or email at umadental@maine.edu.

UMA transforms the lives of students of every age and background across the State of Maine and beyond through access to high-quality distance and on-site education, excellence in student support, civic engagement, and professional and liberal arts programs.

Friday, February 10, 2023 AND Friday, March 3, 2023

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

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

The Â鶹APP (UMA) Dental Health Clinic is hosting its annual “Give Kids a Smile Day” in partnership with the American Dental Association over a two-day period. The “Give Kids a Smile Day” will be held on February 10 and March 3 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm at the UMA Dental Hygiene Clinic located on Â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 5 to 19, 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 Â鶹APP Dental Hygiene programs will be providing care with the aid of staff dentists, and faculty members from Â鶹APP Dental Health Programs, and volunteer dentists from the community.

All patients, guests, students and staff are required to wear face coverings. 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.

The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services (MBVS) and 22 participating clinics, including the UMA Dental Hygiene Clinic in Bangor, are providing dental hygiene services to veterans unable to afford preventive dental care.  The Maine Veterans’ Dental Network, which is overseen by MBVS, received a $100,000 grant from Northeast Delta Dental to serve veterans who do not otherwise have dental coverage or cannot afford dental care.

The UMA Dental Hygiene Clinic received $6,000 of this grant funding and has been providing preventive dental hygiene services (e.g. cleanings) for qualifying veterans throughout the fall semester. However, this program only runs through April 29, so qualifying veterans are encouraged to make an appointment today.

This program also provides Â鶹APP dental hygiene program students with valuable clinical experiences under the supervision of Â鶹APP Dental Hygiene faculty. UMA-Bangor Dental Hygiene Clinic has already provided preventative dental hygiene services to over 65 qualified veterans.

“This is a great opportunity to give back to those who have given so much in service to their country,” stated Jacqueline Thiel, of Augusta who is a UMA Dental Hygiene student and Marine Corps veteran. “As someone who has served, I am truly honored to help my fellow veterans improve their dental health.”

To receive dental hygiene services at no cost, veterans must provide a copy of their DD-214 (discharge papers) to the clinic and grant permission to forward the document to MBVS for inclusion in its database. If the veteran does not have a copy of their DD-214, MBVS can assist them in acquiring one by submitting the State of Maine Request Form –  located on the MBVS .

To make an appointment, eligible veterans may contact the UMA Dental Hygiene Clinic at 207-262-7872 or visit /academics/programs/dental-programs/patient-services/ to schedule a free dental cleaning, including X-rays and fluoride treatment. The UMA Dental Hygiene Clinic is located at 201 Texas Ave, Bangor.

The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services (MBVS) and 22 participating clinics, including the UMA Dental Hygiene Clinic in Bangor, are providing dental hygiene services to veterans unable to afford preventive dental care.  The , which is overseen by MBVS, received a $100,000 grant from Northeast Delta Dental to serve veterans who do not otherwise have dental coverage or cannot afford dental care.

The UMA Dental Hygiene Clinic received $6,000 of this grant funding to provide preventive dental hygiene services (e.g. cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatment and approved restorative needs that meet the program criteria) for qualifying veterans. This program also provides Â鶹APP dental hygiene program students with valuable clinical experiences under the supervision of Â鶹APP Dental Hygiene faculty.

Through this grant program, which began in fall 2021, the UMA-Bangor Dental Hygiene Clinic has provided preventative dental hygiene services to over 30 qualified veterans.

To receive dental hygiene services, veterans must provide a copy of their DD-214 (discharge papers) to the clinic and grant permission to forward the document to MBVS for inclusion in its database. If the veteran does not have a copy of their DD-214, MBVS can assist them in acquiring one by submitting the State of Maine Request Form –  located on the MBVS .

To make an appointment, eligible veterans may contact the UMA Dental Hygiene Clinic at 207-262-7872 or visit /academics/programs/dental-programs/patient-services/ to schedule a free dental cleaning, including X-rays and fluoride treatment. The UMA Dental Hygiene Clinic is located at 201 Texas Ave, Bangor.

These free services are available now to all eligible veterans.  This program ends April 29, 2022

*Corrected 3/9/22*

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 Â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 Â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 Â鶹APP Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs will be providing care with the aid of staff dentists and faculty members from Â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

There is still time for qualifying veterans to take advantage of a free preventative dental hygiene services at UMA-Bangor Dental Hygiene Clinic

There is still time for qualifying veterans to take advantage of a free preventative dental hygiene services at the UMA-Bangor Dental Hygiene Clinic.  However, this program ends April 29.

The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services (MBVS) and eight participating clinics, including the UMA Dental Hygiene Clinic in Bangor, are providing dental hygiene services to veterans unable to afford preventive dental care.  The , which is overseen by MBVS, received a $35,000 grant from Northeast Delta Dental to serve veterans who do not otherwise have dental coverage or cannot afford dental care.

The UMA Dental Hygiene Clinic received $6,000 of this grant funding and has been providing preventive dental hygiene services (e.g. cleanings) for qualifying veterans throughout the fall semester. However, this program only runs through April 29, so qualifying veterans are encouraged to make an appointment today.

This program also provides Â鶹APP dental hygiene program students with valuable clinical experiences under the supervision of Â鶹APP Dental Hygiene faculty. UMA-Bangor Dental Hygiene Clinic has already provided preventative dental hygiene services last fall to over 35 qualified veterans.

To receive dental hygiene services at no cost, veterans must provide a copy of their DD-214 (discharge papers) to the clinic and grant permission to forward the document to MBVS for inclusion in its database. If the veteran does not have a copy of their DD-214, MBVS can assist them in acquiring one by submitting the State of Maine Request Form –  located on the MBVS .

To make an appointment, eligible veterans may contact the UMA Dental Hygiene Clinic at 207-262-7872 or visit /academics/programs/dental-programs/patient-services/ to schedule a free dental cleaning, including X-rays and fluoride treatment. The UMA Dental Hygiene Clinic is located at 201 Texas Ave, Bangor.