Kathryn A. Young, L.D., of Denture Designs and Traci L. Dempsey, I.P.D.H. of Mid-Coast Dental Hygiene Services is joining forces to combat Maine’s access to dental care problem. Access to dental care is one of the hottest topics being discussed by Maine’s Legislature this session with at least 13 dental bills on the table aimed at solving this issue.
Young and Dempsey are working to bring much needed care to local nursing homes by providing screenings, denture care, dental cleanings and to assist in retaining resources for patients who may not have an opportunity to visit a dental office.
Many of the patients who are living in nursing home facilities are unable to travel to a dental office due to their health concerns and mobility difficulties. The result is many patients having dental pain, infection, ill fitting dentures and trouble seeking basic dental care.
In 2008 Young was chosen by Gov. Baldacci to serve on Maine’s Oral Health Task Force to examine the matter. That same year, Maine State Legislature created the independent practice dental hygienist to aid in seeing underserved citizens.
Dempsey has been practicing dental hygiene in private practice for 11 years, has a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Maine at Augusta, has experience as a clinical instructor at the University College of Bangor Dental Hygiene Program and was a Maine Dental Hygienists’ Association vice president.
Dempsey will also be able to reach out to Midcoast citizens who may not have a dental home from Denture Designs for cleanings, sealants, fluoride, referrals, and more.
Dempsey and Young look forward to serving the people of Midcoast Maine.
For more information about Denture Designs or Mid-Coast Dental Hygiene Services call 563-3368 or 380-6445.
