Dexter - It's been years since John Kura of Dexter took a seat in the dentist chair.

"It would take me a long time because I'd have to save each month for each service, more than I have, and it would be a long process," he said.

But thanks to Sebasticook Family Doctors, those days are long gone.

Their new facility in Dexter will now offer affordable dental services to low income and uninsured Mainers.

"We can help the patients that wouldn't even think about obtaining dental care because of cost and by reducing the barrier of the fee schedule depending on the income is the percentage they pay," says CEO Robin Winslow.

Giving people like Kura an option he didn't have before.

"This way I can get my teeth cleaned, prepared and feel more secure about my dental work."

The new facility will cut the transportation barrier that's been standing in the way of the center's patient population.

Most travel at least 30 miles to receive the treatments they need.

But it goes beyond Dexter, the center has plans to expand to Pittsfield.

"The biggest piece is finding a ride here having their own vehicle, the gas, the cost getting out of work so by reducing those barriers hopefully it'll open the door to better access to our community."

While the uncertainty in Washington regarding federal funding continues to grow, the center says it has built a strong foundation to meet the community's needs.

"If we go into it slowly, the goal is to build the program so it's self sustainable," Winslow said.

A ribbon cutting marked the occasion which coincided with National Heath Center Week.

Print this Story

Recent Stories