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Maine Dental Association: A Professional Organization for Dentists in Manchester, ME
Quick Overview
The Maine Dental Association is a dedicated non-profit professional organization serving dentists across Maine. Unlike a direct dental practice, the MDA provides essential resources, advocacy, and continuing education for its members, supporting the dental profession throughout the state.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maine Dental Association |
| Principal Officer | Shanna Gagnon, DMD |
| Type | Non-profit Professional Organization |
| Address | 29 Association Dr, Manchester, ME 04351 |
| Phone | (207) 622-7900 |
| Fax | (207) 622-6210 |
| info@medental.org | |
| Website | medental.org |
| Office Hours | Not publicly listed; likely standard business hours Monday-Friday. |
| Membership & Focus | Represents over 600 member dentists statewide; provides continuing education, legislative advocacy, professional connections, and resources. |
About the Maine Dental Association
Established in 1945, the Maine Dental Association (MDA) stands as a vital professional body for dentists across Maine. Representing over 600 member dentists, the MDA is committed to supporting the dental profession, advocating for oral health, and ensuring high standards of dental care throughout the state.
The association operates under the leadership of its Principal Officer, Shanna Gagnon, DMD. Her role, along with the dedicated board and staff, is crucial in driving the MDA’s mission forward.
Key Accomplishments and Mission:
- Legislative Advocacy: Actively champions policies that benefit both dental professionals and the public’s oral health in Maine.
- Continuing Education: Provides valuable educational opportunities to help member dentists stay current with the latest advancements and maintain their professional licensure.
- Professional Connections: Fosters a strong community among dentists, offering networking events and opportunities for peer support.
- Resource Provision: Serves as a central hub for information and resources pertinent to dental practice management, ethics, and patient care.
- Tripartite Structure: Supports professional memberships including American Dental Association membership through a robust local, state, and national structure.
Many board positions and society officers across various counties are held by individual dentists who are active in regional dental societies affiliated with the Maine Dental Association, further strengthening its statewide reach and influence.
Services and Support Provided by the Maine Dental Association
It is important to note that the Maine Dental Association, as a non-profit professional organization, does not offer direct dental services or patient care. Its primary role is to serve and support its member dentists across Maine.
Support and Resources for Member Dentists:
- Continuing Education Programs: Facilitating workshops, seminars, and conferences to ensure dentists can meet licensure requirements and enhance their skills.
- Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy: Representing the interests of the dental profession before state legislature and regulatory bodies.
- Practice Management Resources: Providing guidance and tools for efficient and ethical dental practice operation.
- Professional Networking: Creating platforms for dentists to connect, share insights, and collaborate.
- Ethical Guidance: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of professional conduct and patient care.
Common Dental Services Provided by MDA Member Dentists:
While the MDA itself does not provide these, its extensive network of member dentists across Maine offers a comprehensive range of dental services, including but not limited to:
- General Dentistry: Routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, and bridges.
- Cosmetic Dentistry: Teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, and smile makeovers.
- Orthodontics: Braces, clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign), and retainers for teeth straightening.
- Pediatric Dentistry: Specialized dental care for infants, children, and adolescents.
- Periodontics: Treatment for gum disease, including scaling and root planing, and gum surgery.
- Endodontics: Specializing in root canal therapy and other treatments of the tooth pulp.
- Oral Surgery: Wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, and other surgical procedures involving the mouth, teeth, and jaws.
For direct dental services, patients should contact individual member dentists who are affiliated with the Maine Dental Association.
Information for Patients and the Public
As the Maine Dental Association is a professional organization and not a clinical dental practice, the following information pertains to individual member dentists rather than the association’s office itself.
Insurance & Payment
Details regarding accepted insurance plans, payment options, and financing depend entirely on the individual dental practice you choose to visit. Most member dentists will accept a variety of private insurance plans, Medicaid, and offer flexible payment solutions. It is recommended to contact your chosen dentist directly to inquire about their specific policies.
Finding a Dentist
While the MDA does not directly assign patients to dentists, its website often provides a directory or resources to help you locate a qualified dental professional in your area. This typically involves:
- Visiting the MDA website (medental.org).
- Navigating to a “Find a Dentist” or “Patient Resources” section.
- Using a search tool, often filtered by location, specialty, or name.
- Contacting the individual dental office to schedule an appointment.
For emergency services, please contact your individual dentist or a local dental emergency service directly. The association office does not provide emergency dental care.
Office Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities such as patient waiting areas, accessibility features, and languages spoken will vary greatly from one individual dental practice to another. Please consult with the specific dental office you plan to visit for detailed information on their facilities and accommodations.
Location & Contact Information
The Maine Dental Association’s central office is conveniently located in Manchester, Maine, serving as the administrative hub for its statewide operations.
Maine Dental Association Office
Address: 29 Association Dr, Manchester, ME 04351
Phone: (207) 622-7900
Fax: (207) 622-6210
Email: info@medental.org
Website: medental.org
Parking information for the association office is not detailed publicly. Please contact the office directly for specifics if you plan to visit.
Patient Reviews
As the Maine Dental Association is a professional membership organization and does not provide direct patient care, it does not accumulate patient reviews for its office location. Reviews and testimonials for dental services pertain to the individual member dentists practicing across Maine.
To find reviews for a specific dental professional or practice, it is recommended to search for their individual practice name on various online review platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Maine Dental Association
| Day | Open Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday (Memorial Day) | 8:30 am – 4:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am – 4:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am – 4:30 pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am – 4:30 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
Photos
Maine Dental Association
Maine Dental Association
