Dick McLean recently joined the board of Lincoln County Dental, at the invitation of Dr. James Olson, well-known local dentist and president of the Lincoln County Dental Board of Directors.

Since June, McLean has been partnering with LCD, as they work to care for more and more Lincoln County residents needing dental care and without insurance. The number of patients receiving care since McLean joined the LCD Board in June has doubled from around 300, to now more than 600.

McLean grew up with a sense that caring for each other was the way life was meant to be, and has been involved in the life of the local community for many years. He has served as chairman of the Lincoln County Regional Planning Committee, Ambassador for Friends of MidCoast Maine, a Member of the Budget Committee for the town of Damariscotta, President of MidCoast Maine Community Action Program, and as a former selectman.

He now adds Lincoln County Dental as a place that draws him, for the impact it makes on each patient’s life, and for the passion with which staff and volunteers approach their work with each individual.

The materials for a full set of dentures cost $400. That amount is completely out of reach for the patients seen by the volunteers at LCD; and that does not include the cost of necessary extractions. Wanting to fill the need, as well as care for the more than 50 people on the waiting list, LCD is inviting the community to “Gift A Smile” this holiday season.

A donation in any amount will provide pain relief, better health, lower the risk of infection, and even bring about a smile.

The stated mission of Lincoln County Dental is to provide access to dental care to those individuals who are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line and have no dental home.

All the dental professionals involved are passionate about wanting each person to have a chance for a healthier life that is pain-free, and all the volunteer professionals work long hours to see that happen.

Several local dentists volunteer their time, as do many other staff members. Dr. Olson, Dr. Jeffrey Grosser, Dr, Greg Albert, Dr. Glen Davis and Dr. Sandy Allen, all spend time caring for the local residents who have been suffering with missing, broken or painful teeth, and provide care that is otherwise not available. These dedicated professionals also serve on the Board of Directors of LCD along with Janet Spiller, R.D.H. and Kathryn Young L.D.

Lincoln County Dental will work closely with healthcare organizations such as LincolnHealth and area medical and dental professionals achieve integration of oral health into community programs for a holistic approach to overall health. The vision is to facilitate oral health programs for all ages in order to achieve long term health improvement for the community

For anyone who would like to help a Lincoln County neighbor, checks in any amount can be sent to Lincoln County Dental, 748 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543