Mount Desert Island Hospital has received a $22,434 grant from the Northeast Delta Dental Foundation, supporting the acquisition of two Airflow Prophylaxis Master Premium units for the Community Dental Center (CDC).
As the CDC endeavors to make a positive impact on patients’ health and well-being, the new Airflow Prophylaxis Master units will incorporate guided biofilm therapy into the practice. The Airflow Prophylaxis Master utilizes a novel protocol to remove biofilm above and below the gum line, before it triggers an immune response. Its technology also enables the dental practitioner to make biofilm visible to each patient before removal—suggesting ways to improve home care, and helping inform patients about oral bacteria, how biofilm sets in, and how oral health impacts overall health.
With the Northeast Delta Dental Foundation’s generous grant support, the CDC becomes the first dental office on Mount Desert Island to implement this technology. One of the new Airflow Prophylaxis Master units will include a self-contained cart with its own independent water supply system, allowing greater maneuverability within the clinic as well as the portability of this effective, preventive dental care for use in community outreach programs (e.g., nursing homes and schools). Overall, the Northeast Delta Dental Foundation is providing strong support for the CDC’s key mission: to ensure access to oral health care for everyone in our region.
Founded in 2014, the CDC is a patient-centered dental home that fully integrates with MDI Hospital’s community-responsive approach to medicine. It is Mount Desert Island’s first and only nonprofit dental clinic. As a full-service oral health practice with a staff of seven, the CDC’s services include preventive cleanings, extractions and implants, restorations and fillings, root canals, emergency treatment and oral surgery. The Center also offers pediatric dentistry, sealants, fluoride treatments, tooth whitening, and removable prosthetics. By reaching out to patients, following up on appointments, and coordinating ongoing, regular check-ups, the CDC staff aims to ensure that all patients receive personalized, patient-centered care.
Jane Ogembo, DDS, MPH has served as the CDC’s dentist since 2019. Having grown up in a small village in rural western Kenya, she understands how challenging it can be for residents in isolated areas to receive essential care. As a member of the American Dental Association and the American Public Dental Health Association, Dr. Ogembo enjoys participating in their work to advance the profession and improve dental services to the public.