The East Coast s first dental therapist, a role allowed by a year-old rule change in Maine aimed at bringing dental access to rural areas, has been licensed by the state to practice at Penobscot Community Health Care.
Claire Roesler was approved by the state dental board this week to serve in the position, which has caught on in the Midwest but is new to the East Coast, according to the National Partnership for Dental Therapy.
“This is an exciting and encouraging day for access to oral health in the state of Maine, and in our communities,” said Angela Chase, PCHC dental center’s executive division director, in a news release. “It’s a historic day to celebrate.”