Dr. Cook grew up in Auburn, Maine, where she attended Edward Little High School. Her career in dentistry actually began as a teenager helping at her fathers dental practice. After high school, she attended Fayetteville Technical Community College and received her Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene in 1990. While working full-time, Dr. Cook then attended Fayetteville State University and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1996.
Dr. Cook was a hygienist for 15 years before being fortunate enough to be accepted into dental school at The Medical University of South Carolina, which is a top rated dental and medical school located in Charleston, SC. She graduated with her Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD) degree in 2005. She joined her fathers dental practice in May 2005. In 2006, she began to look for the perfect practice to call her own. That dream became a reality in July 2007, when she purchased the practice from long term owner, Dr. Ronald Sawyer.
Dr. Cook is a member of The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) and is currently working towards her Fellowship with the AGD, when achieved is only held by 7% of the general dentists in the United States. The Fellow requires 500 hours of continuing education and Dr. Cook has over 900 hours of continuing education. She will soon be joining the other 34 Fellows in the AGD in the State of Maine. Beginning in 2010, Dr. Cook has participated in the local study club in affiliation with Spear Education. Spear Study Clubs are to help foster interdisciplinary relationships for better treatment planning and patient care. There are only approximately 200 study clubs in North America. After attending the 2.5 day Spear seminar in December 2011, Dr. Cook joined the Faculty Club at Spear Education. The Faculty Club focuses on patient-centric dental healthcare and advanced clinical techniques to enable Dr. Cook to provide better patient care. Their are currently 660 members in the Faculty Club throughout the world with only 8 members in Maine. The Faculty Club consists of members from 9 countries; United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Bermuda, Czech Republic, Denmark and Sweden. Dr. Cook is also a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), the Maine Dental Association (MDA), and the Merrymeeting Bay Dental Association.
In 2004, Dr. Cook went on a mission trip to Brazil to set up a dental clinic in an all girls orphanage. Dr. Cook is also a proud participant in Give Kids a Smile Day, where thousands of the nations dentists and their dental team members provide free oral health care services to children from low-income families. We have been participating with Give Kids a Smile Day since 2011. On an annual basis, Dr. Cook partners with the Dental Lifeline Network, Maine Donated Dental Services (DDS). This is a collaborative, direct way for the dental profession to reach out to individuals with special needs. The goal is to return patients to good oral health, enabling them to reach an affordable maintenance level. We have been participating with Dental Lifeline Network since 2008.
She is into physical fitness and works out regularly. She also enjoys snowmobiling, golfing, hiking, boating, reading, decorating and knitting. Those of you who visit her office will see that she loves to take photos and her pictures are on display on the walls of the office. She has two long haired chihuahuas.
Melanie passed away unexpectedly on December 14, 2021. We have a journal at our front desk for people to share stores and their feelings about Melanie that will be presented to her parents in December of this year.
After graduating high school, she attended White Mountains Community College before transferring and receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of New England in 2018. While in college, Lori lived at Old Orchard during the school year and enjoyed walking along the beach and really loved living in Maine, and hoped one day she would end up there again. After practicing as a Dental Hygienist and commuting for the past few years in NH, Lori decided the time was right to move to Maine and is really looking forward to joining Dr. Cook and her team! Lori enjoys being outdoors, canoeing/kayaking, making crafts, painting and decorating, cooking, working out, shopping, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family as well as her families two schnauzers, Ozzie and Rex. She is excited to finally have Maine be her permanent home.
Reviews
Rating 4.5 out of 5 based on 44 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestKatie Grant
a year ago
Top notch! Been seeing Dr. Cook and before her, Dr. Sawyer! They are personable and professional!
Maine Mermaid
a year ago
The arrogant, front desk man has needed replacing for a long time. He's supposed to schedule, but all he does is insert people into open calendar slots, without any regard to need, situation, or urgency (i.e. a bad toothache). As a professional scheduler myself (many years of experience), it's often necessary to move people around based on the needs of clients. (You need to be accommodating, and that can be challenging, but it's necessary in every business.) However, he can't be bothered to do anything but the bare minimum of work. He scowls, clenches his jaw, and pushes back at any requests for additional help. (He doesn't appear to have any empathy either. - a necessary quality in a doctor's office, but also in any business where you're client facing) I've also heard him make mean, condescending, comments to the staff, a few times, while I was in the waiting room. I can't imagine dealing with his attitude on a daily basis. If he were at my company, he'd be getting a boot out the front door. That kind of person is toxic and bad for business. I won't be going back.
kit the fox
a year ago
Despite being on a list of dentists that accept Mainecare and being one of the search results for "dentists that accept Mainecare" they do not in fact accept Mainecare.
Robert Mayer
2 years ago
As usual another pleasant experience. Friendly and Professional Staff. Very clean and pleasant environment.
Tom Bragg
2 years ago
My experience has always been a pleasant one at bath family dental and yesterday's appointment was no different! Keep up the good work
Tom Clemence
2 years ago
Professional, friendly, on time and effective service from check in to check out..
Nicole Hall
2 years ago
Excellent time!!!! They were kind, courteous, and efficient. They explained everything in detail.
Deborah Pierce
2 years ago
Dr Cook is absolutely the best Dentist I have ever had! She explains everything before she does it, is gentle and very precise in her work. The office is immaculate and the staff courteous and knowledgeable. I even look forward to my visits there!
Stefanie Miller-Gethicker
2 years ago
My first visit with Bath Family Dental was amazing! Everyone is very warm and welcoming.
Russell Heath
2 years ago
I needed a crown--and received a temporary one while the permanent one was being manufactured. I was explicitly told--not to pull the floss up out of your teeth when flossing but to pull it through my teeth instead, as I might pop the temporary crown off. You guessed it, I pulled up and popped the crown out of my mouth. The office moved patients around and got me back in the office within hours--to replace it. No charge. Super customer service. Thanks!
C Lacroix
2 years ago
The nurse staff was great and listened to my concerns, but the dentist was just absolutely rude! She was speaking to the nurse as though I wasn't even in the room. I told her that I absolutely did not want any fluoride treatments whatsoever ever and that I did not even use fluoride toothpaste as it's a known neurotoxin (which dentists should know) that I didn't want in my mouth let alone 'treated' on my teeth and she completely ignored me, told the nurse that I was going to have to have it and there was no way around my decision which was an absolute lie! I know of dentists not using it and apparently this one wasn't it! After that, she made me feel like I was a complete inconvenience to her and I just couldn't wait to leave! The nurse still after that was very kind and considerate in her care and did respect my choices after the dentist left the room. Idk how the nurses work with people like that all day long and not lose their patience! I'm surprised they are still in business if they treat all their 'customers' like that! People already have a hard time going to the dentist as it is, the don't deserve to be treated in this manner, but when they are, it doesn't help getting the care they need! I know I am one of those people before I came here and was in desperate need of getting my teeth done which was due to having past pregnancies. After I left, I went to a different place and had the rest of my work being done and did not have a single problem with having my wishes being respected and being treated like a decent human being! I do NOT recommend this place!
Christine DeFeo
2 years ago
Had my first appointment with Dr. Ahern. She was so knowledgeable and really took the time to understand my needs. Cannot recommend her and the entire practice enough!
Acadia Edgerton
2 years ago
I've gotten my teeth cleaned here for 13 years now. They are always friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and clean. Highly recommend!
Brenda Larson
2 years ago
Great dentist! The best in dental care!
Natasha Spellman
2 years ago
Had an appointment at Bath Family Dental today and had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Ahern. She was very knowledgeable, attentive, and answered any questions I had without a problem. Overall, I found the office to be organized, clean and welcoming. I will certainly be back. Thank you!
Rebecca Shovlin
2 years ago
Awesome experience at Bath Family Dental. Highly recommend Dr. Ahern for all of your dental needs. She was patient, understood my concerns and came up with a great treatment plan. Thanks, Dr. Ahern!
Chris S
2 years ago
Dr. Cook was extremely rude as well as condescending during our interaction. Furthermore, her lack of communication when discussing treatment as well as prices were disheartening as her tone made me feel as though I was bothering her by asking questions. My advice would be to find another dental provider that is more compassionate, caring and at least pretends to take an interest in the patient.
Chris S
3 years ago
Dr. Cook was extremely rude as well as condescending during our interaction. Furthermore, her lack of communication when discussing treatment as well as prices were disheartening as her tone made me feel as though I was bothering her by asking questions. My advice would be to find another dental provider that is more compassionate, caring and at least pretends to take an interest in the patient.
Brenda Ahlstrom
3 years ago
Having recently moved out of state to Bath, Maine I appreciate having found this dental service. They are professional, up to date, knowledgeable and have a very friendly staff. I look forward to continuing my good dental hygiene here!
Warren Swanson
3 years ago
They helped me with getting rid of my gum disease ! I followed their instruction, and am happy to have healthy gums once again ! Thank you for the good dental care !
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