Dr. Melissa Hamel was born in the Philippines and moved with her family to San Francisco at the age of 12. Early in high school, she developed a great interest in dentistry after being inspired by her family dentist who valued patient education, comfort, and quality care. She pursued this by getting accepted into the highly competitive six-year accelerated dental program at the University of the Pacific where she earned her undergraduate Bachelors degree in 2005 and Doctorate Dental degree in 2008.
Dr. Hamel was then accepted into the University of the Pacifics postgraduate Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program. In this program, she was extensively trained in cosmetic dentistry, pediatric dentistry, dental implants, and various complex dental treatments by some of San Francisco Bay Areas renowned dental specialists.
She continues to broaden her knowledge of the newest dental treatments, techniques, and technology by attending numerous education courses throughout the year.She is a patient advocate; stressing individualized care through education and prevention. She is a member of the American Dental Association, the Maine Dental Society and the Greater Portland Dental Society.
Dr. Hamel and her family recently moved to Maine from California to be closer to family. They have a young daughter, a toddler boy and a beagle named Daisy Mae. She enjoys playing volleyball, watching movies, and seeking new food experiences.
Dr. Stephanie Watson was born and raised in Augusta, Maine. Her interest in dentistry began at an early age and continued to grow over the years. She attended the University of New England and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Biology. During her undergraduate career, she minored in Art and traveled abroad to Ecuador and Peru on medical mission trips.
Dr. Watson was then accepted into the University of New England College of Dental Medicines dental program. During this time, she was trained with a comprehensive and innovative curriculum focused on patient-centered care and grounded in evidence-based dentistry. Dr. Watson received the American College of Prosthodontics, 2020 Prosthodontic Achievement Award for her demonstration of excellence in the field. Dr. Watson is a member of the American Dental Association, Maine Dental Association, and Academy of General Dentistry.
Natalie grew up in Augusta, and graduated from University of New England in 2016. While in college Natalie went on two mission trips to Peru and Ecuador, providing dental care to those living in the villages. She continues to develop her knowledge and skills by attending various accredited dental hygiene courses and seminars. Being a member of Casco Bay Study Club, she is able to broaden her knowledge about the advances in dental technologies and learn about improving patient care from her colleagues. Her pleasant personality and gentle touch are commended by many of our patients who feel more like friends and family. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and traveling as much as possible.
Meet Michelle, our newest Registered Dental Hygienist! Michelle is from Wells and is a 2021 graduate of the University of New England where she graduated top of her dental hygiene class. She is excited to serve the wonderful community of Southern Maine, and patients have already begun to notice her gentle touch and ability to put them at ease! In addition to brightening up your smile, Michelle finds it important to spend time with patient education as she believes a healthy mouth starts with good home care. Outside of the office, Michelle likes to spend time with her family at their camp in Northern Maine where she enjoys hiking and fishing.
Brittany, a native of Tennessee, joined Seacoast Dentistry at the beginning of 2022. She became a dental assistant in 2017 and loves getting to know each patient she comes in contact with. Brittany also visited villages in Guatemala in 2019 to provide dental care. She says it was a very humbling and amazing experience and hopes to travel there again one day. Outside of the office, Brittany loves to spend time with her husband and two kids. Her favorite time of the year is summer, when she can walk to the beach and watch her kids chase the waves.