New Children’s Dental Clinic Launches to Serve Aroostook Families!
Step right up, folks! Meet Erik Johnson, an inspiring figure who’s making waves in the world of pediatric dentistry. What started as a passion for working with kids has blossomed into a groundbreaking venture: the opening of County Roots Children’s Dentistry in beautiful Presque Isle!
Opened just this past October, this lively new dental office has already welcomed 200 kids into its cheerful fold!
Aroostook County has faced a daunting challenge—a shortage of dental practitioners that has only worsened since the pandemic. Did you know that in northern Maine, there are nearly double the number of residents per dentist compared to the statewide average? It’s a staggering statistic! While some initiatives are working to bring oral care directly into schools, Johnson’s mission is more profound—he’s here to connect with children early on and banish any fear of the dentist for good.
“When working with adults, a lot of the dental damage is already done,” he explains. “But with kids, we have a unique opportunity to teach them lifelong habits for healthy teeth!”
Erik Johnson isn’t just any dentist; he holds the title of Aroostook County’s very first pediatric dentist, a role he embraced after relocating in 2013. Armed with a degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, he honed his skills at community health centers, including the Katahdin Valley Health Center in Houlton and St. Apollonia Dental Clinic in Presque Isle. But his heart was set on opening a dedicated practice just for children, recognizing the immense need in the community.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, much of Aroostook and Maine are classified as dental care shortage areas. The pandemic only intensified this crisis, leading to increased wait lists and families postponing essential care. Shockingly, the percentage of Aroostook kids attending preventive dental visits plummeted from 65% in 2019 to just 50% in 2022, despite a rise in dental insurance coverage to 70%!
Johnson discovered his passion for pediatric dentistry back in 2013 during his residency at Penobscot Community Health Center in Bangor, where he began treating children, including those with special needs. This experience ignited his desire for further training.
“I often saw kids with autism and felt the need to deepen my understanding,” he shares. “I realized I could connect with children— even the nonverbal ones— in ways that made them feel understood and safe.”
But let’s face it: the biggest hurdle is fear. For some kids, dental visits can be so daunting that they require anesthesia for treatment. Johnson combats this with a blend of humor and creativity. With a Spiderman shirt peeking out from beneath his scrubs, he transforms the dental experience into something fun. Whether it’s a friendly smile contest or a sing-along, he ensures every child feels at ease. When faced with nervous little ones, he’ll even sit on the floor to make them feel comfortable!
County Roots isn’t just for kids with insurance; it welcomes all patients, regardless of coverage, and has already drawn families from across the state. Some parents are traveling over six hours from places like York, Saco, and Waterville, eager to provide their children with the dental care they deserve.
“To many parents, it’s like striking gold,” office manager Mary Michaud reveals. “They’ve struggled to find care for their kids, especially for those who need specialized attention.”
Given the high demand for dental care, Johnson believes that County Roots will complement existing services, such as St. Apollonia and the Aroostook County Action Program, to enhance access to oral health care for children, whether in a clinical setting or at school.
Johnson is keenly aware of the oral health challenges facing local families. Finding a dentist who can see kids promptly can be tough, and nutritional factors, including sugar intake, often complicate matters. Additionally, the quality of drinking water significantly influences dental health.
Not everyone has access to fluoridated water—many in the area rely on well water or bottled options. While the topic of fluoridation sparks debate, Johnson emphasizes that, in the right amounts, fluoride plays a crucial role in developing strong teeth.
When he’s not brightening smiles, Johnson is a proud father of three—ages 8, 10, and 12—and a volunteer firefighter with the Presque Isle Fire Department. At County Roots, he’s dedicated to creating an inviting atmosphere.
“We strive to be a joyful place, not a scary one,” he says. “Every day, we do something special to help others. It’s an incredibly fulfilling experience!”
