A dental clinic in Springvale, Maine is making a significant impact on healthcare for rural populations by focusing on community service and drawing talent from nearby educational institutions. Nasson Health Care, recognized for its strong ties to the University of New England (UNE), employs a dental team composed almost entirely of UNE graduates, all dedicated to public health and serving underserved groups.
Tom Guerrette, a 2019 graduate of UNE and now the dental director at Nasson Health Care, described how his education introduced him to the importance of community clinics and inspired his commitment to public health dentistry. He has since assembled a team of fellow UNE alumni who share a patient-first approach and a common background that fosters effective collaboration and mutual respect. Guerrette stated that the shared education helps build trust and camaraderie within the team, allowing them to better address a wide range of dental needs in the community.
The dental professionals at Nasson Health Care serve patients of all ages and from all walks of life, including individuals with limited financial means and those from marginalized backgrounds. The clinic stands out for treating nearly 4,000 dental patients annually from a total patient base of about 8,000. In 2024, about 20 percent of their patients faced homelessness, highlighting the clinic’s role in providing essential services for particularly vulnerable groups.
Members of the dental staff, such as Jacqueline Auger and Chauna Oak, emphasized the sense of reward they feel from helping people who might otherwise struggle to access dental care. They recounted stories of grateful patients returning with thank-you notes and homemade goods, reflecting the positive changes the clinic has made in their lives. The team also finds connection in their shared experiences at UNE, often discussing memories of faculty and their training in public dental clinics.
Nasson Health Care continues to extend its partnership with UNE, offering preceptorships for students from UNE’s College of Osteopathic Medicine and Master of Science Physician Assistant program. These opportunities provide students firsthand experience in community health settings and further the clinic’s mission to improve access to care in Maine’s rural and underserved areas. The efforts of Nasson Health Care and its UNE-trained staff demonstrate the important role that education and community-focused clinics play in addressing health disparities and shaping the future of rural healthcare.
Tags: dental care