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On February 21, 2017, the 51Ʒ��College of Dental Medicine welcomed U.S. Senator Susan Collins for a tour of the Oral Health Center. Led by 51Ʒ��President Danielle Ripich and Jon Ryder, D.D.S., M.S., dean of the College of Dental Medicine, they visited the simulation clinic and wet lab, speaking with faculty, staff and students.

“Expanding access to dental care has long been a priority of mine, so having this first ever dental school in northern New England is truly exciting,” said Senator Collins. “51Ʒ��will graduate its first class of 64 students this year, one-third of whom are from Maine. Upon graduation, these bright men and women will serve patients in communities in Maine and across the country.”

“One of our earliest supporters, Senator Collins has shared our vision for the College of Dental Medicine since its inception,” said President Ripich. “She has been instrumental in helping to equip the first dental school in Maine, and we appreciate her dedication to our institution.”

Ryder stated, “While Maine still faces access to care issues, Senator Collins’ longtime support of the first and only dental school in Northern New England is enabling us to make profound changes.”

“It was an honor to meet Senator Collins today,” said O. Fields Farrior, D.M.D. M.S., associate dean of Clincal Education and Patient Care. “Her help in establishing the Oral Health Center continues to prove invaluable. I look forward to future collaborations with Senator Collins as the 51Ʒ��College of Dental Medicine strives toward our mission of shaping the future of dentistry through excellence in education, discovery and service.”

In 2007, Senator Collins secured funding for 51Ʒ��through the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration’s Health Care and Other Facilities program. This funding provided essential support to 51Ʒ��to outfit the College of Dental Medicine with state-of-the-art operatories and simulators.

Senator Collins’ visit comes just as dentistry was named No. 1 in The Best 100 Jobs of 2017 by U.S. News and World Report. Occupations were ranked on the basis of median salary, employment rate, 10-year growth volume, future job prospects, stress level and work-life balance. The publication cited data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which predicts dentistry employment growth of 18 percent between 2014 and 2024, with 23,300 new openings. A high compensation, low unemployment rate and above-average job satisfaction in terms of work-life balance factored into its top ranking.

Discussing the rankings, Ryder said, “Dentistry still enjoys relative independence and flexibility of practice within the profession. Dentists also have many options in addition to practice, such as academics, consulting, organized dentistry, and so on. All this makes for a more predictable future, less stress, and security of employment.”

To learn more about the College of Dental Medicine, visit www.une.edu/dentalmedicine

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions