By Debra Bell, Special to the Weekly
BANGOR – Pam Abbott loves to make people smile.
She loves it more when she gets to help them find confidence and improve the health of their smile.
That’s why Abbott, a licensed dental hygienist for 14 years, decided to open up her own dental hygiene practice – Abbott Oral Care and Wellness — at 263 State St., Suite 24 in Bangor.
Abbott is an independent dental hygienist, which is a profession that is growing in demand.
That’s because the dental hygienist is the first line of defense for keeping a patient’s mouth happy and healthy.
These professionals clean teeth, educate patients on proper home care, create sports guards, apply fluoride, examine a patient’s gums and teeth for the presence of decay, apply sealants, desensitize teeth, make referrals when necessary to a dentist, and more.
The decision to open her office came after a life change provided her the opportunity to work for herself, instead of as part of a dentist’s practice. And Abbott knew that she wanted the experience to be something special.
“I want to provide the quality patient care that I feel [the patient] deserves, while also helping them feel relaxed,” Abbott said. “I tailor the treatment to each patient because each patient has individual needs.”
Those treatments include paraffin hand dips, eye compresses, aromatherapy and sound therapy to create a relaxing environment, scented neck wraps and warm towels for reducing inflammation after the cleaning.
“They are coming here to have their teeth cleaned, but they’ll get all these other benefits so they don’t dread coming to the appointment.”
That dread, Abbott noted, is a common reason that people avoid having their teeth cleaned. Preventative treatment in the form of cleanings, however, can keep problems from escalating to the point where a person has to go to the dentist. Then, she says, it’s more painful and more traumatic.
Her practice will combat that trauma by offering peace.
“You need to treat the whole body,” she said. “This atmosphere is also much less clinical than a traditional dental office.”
Abbott also has adjusted her hours with patients in mind. Her office is open 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays; and by appointment.
“People have busy schedules and many don’t want to — or can’t take — the time off from work,” she said. “My goal is to help accommodate their schedules.”
Learn more about her business by calling 852-3022, visiting her website at abbottdentalcare.com or like her on Facebook at facebook.com/abbottoralcareandwellness.
Abbott Oral Care and Wellness accepts Northeast Delta Dental insurance and is accepting patients of all ages. Walk-ins are accepted.
Abbott is holding an open house from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 22, State Street location.