New Aroostook Children’s Clinic: A Dental Lifeline from Presque Isle!
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — December 24, 2024 — Welcome to County Roots Children’s Dentistry, the latest gem for the little ones nestled at 181 Academy St. in Presque Isle. Meet the fantastic team dedicated to making dental visits a joy: front desk receptionists Tim Tarr, Hannah Doody, and Ashley Clark; dental assistants Amber Nemer, Hannah Brown, and Grace Tarr; office manager Mary Michaud; and the visionary dentist and owner, Erik Johnson. (Paula Brewer | The Star-Herald)
When Dr. Erik Johnson first stepped into the world of dentistry, he quickly realized his passion: working with kids. Fast forward to now, and he has just opened the doors to Presque Isle’s second dental practice fully dedicated to children. That’s right, folks—County Roots Children’s Dentistry is here, and it’s already making waves!
This vibrant clinic swung into action in mid-October, and guess what? They’ve already welcomed 200 little patients into their care. That’s a big deal in a region that has faced a significant shortage of dental professionals, especially since the pandemic turned everything upside down.
In Aroostook County, there’s nearly a twofold ratio of people per dentist compared to the rest of Maine, as highlighted in the latest health assessment. While some groups are pushing to bring dental services into schools, Dr. Johnson has a mission to reach children early and banish their fears of the dentist chair.
“With adults, the damage is often already done,” he explains. “But with kids, we can teach them how to care for their teeth, setting them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.”
Dr. Johnson made history as Aroostook County’s first pediatric dentist when he arrived in 2013. Armed with a degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, he has served in various community health centers, including the Katahdin Valley Health Center and St. Apollonia Dental Clinic. But it was always his dream to create a dedicated space just for kids—because the need is immense!
Sadly, many areas in Aroostook and throughout Maine are declared dental care shortage zones, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The pandemic exacerbated these shortages, leading to longer wait times and families delaying essential care. Alarmingly, the percentage of Aroostook kids visiting the dentist for preventive care dropped from 65% in 2019 to just 50% in 2022, despite a rise in dental insurance coverage.
Dr. Johnson discovered his passion for pediatric dentistry during his residency at Penobscot Community Health Center in Bangor when he started working with young patients, including those with special needs. “I felt a strong connection with those kids, even the nonverbal ones,” he reflects. “I knew I needed more training to help them better.”
But let’s face it—fear can be a huge barrier for kids when it comes to dental visits. For some little ones, the anxiety is so intense that they end up needing treatment under anesthesia in a hospital. Dr. Johnson employs creativity, laughter, and a friendly approach to ease those fears. He’s been known to challenge kids to smiling contests and even joins them on the floor to make the experience less intimidating.
This clinic is open to all children, regardless of insurance status, and has already attracted families from across Maine. Some parents are traveling six hours or more from places like York, Saco, and Waterville just to get their kids seen. “It’s like striking gold for many parents,” office manager Mary Michaud shares. “They haven’t been able to find care for their kids, especially for those who need operating room appointments.”
With so many children requiring care, Dr. Johnson is confident that County Roots will harmonize perfectly with other local resources like St. Apollonia and the Aroostook County Action Program, all working tirelessly to bring dental health to kids—whether in a clinical environment or at school.
In Aroostook County, parents face numerous oral health challenges. Finding a dentist with immediate availability can be tough, and dietary habits—like sugar consumption—often complicate matters. Even access to fluoridated drinking water varies, with many residents relying on wells or bottled water. Dr. Johnson emphasizes the importance of fluoride in tooth development when used appropriately.
Outside of his practice, Dr. Johnson is a proud father of three kids aged 8, 10, and 12, and he’s also a volunteer firefighter with the Presque Isle Fire Department. His philosophy? Create a dental environment that feels like a playground, not a scary medical facility.
“It’s all about making this a happy place for kids,” he declares. “Every single day, we find a way to bring joy to someone else. And that’s an incredible feeling.”
