Maine
Local Hero: Dr. K

Biddeford, Maine is a former mill town that has morphed into a bedroom community for greater Portland. It’s also where Dr. K. has practiced general dentistry for 23 years, exploring his interest in aesthetics and technology as he cares for patients who range in age from toddlers to 101 years. Dr. K. has volunteered for DDS since the program started up in Maine. “From a social conscience point of view, it doesn’t feel right to shut out anyone because of inability to pay,” he says. “With DDS, I'm in my own chair in my own office, working with my own assistant, and coming up with my own treatment plan. And I like the fact that the labs are co-participants.” Like other DDS volunteers, Dr. K. is moved by the appreciation demonstrated by his at-risk patients. One developmentally disabled client lived in a group home and had been toothless for at least 20 years. “What she wanted more than anything was to be able to smile,” he recalls. “When I finished her denture, she brought me a gift of a pen with a large angel attached to the end of it. I keep it on my desk like an amulet. There are a lot of access programs,” he concludes, “but this one’s pretty special. It’s just a nicely put together program.”