Access to oral health care has been a longstanding problem in our central Maine community. The ability to get quality regular oral health care is critical to maintain pain free teeth and a healthy smile. It is also a crucial factor in maintaining overall health. Poor oral health is associated with chronic medical problems including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, stroke, and pregnancy complications.
In 1999 the nonprofit Kennebec Valley Dental Coalition, a volunteer group of dental providers, medical providers, and community members was formed to explore ways to improve access to oral health services for all residents of central Maine. The Waterville Community Dental Center is the product of the work of the KVDC. Its history is outlined in this timeline:
2007-2009: WCDC responds to an unmet demand for services by adding three additional operatories to the four already in place. A second dentist and a third hygienist join the staff. With increased space and staffing, over 3,500 patients a year are seen.
2018-2019: Because of downtown redevelopment, WCDC must relocate from its original site of 18 years. With support of the local community, including foundation grants and individual donations, a new building is located, renovations are completed, existing equipment moved, and new equipment installed. In January 2019, WCDC begins to see patients in its new space at 2 Evergreen Drive in First Park. Two new operatories have been added to expand capacity.
Access to affordable oral health care is a critical resource in maintaining the health of our community. WCDC delivers a full range of oral health services including education, cleanings, oral examinations, extractions, fillings, crowns and other restorative care.
Kailee Williams DMD, Clinical Director, is originally from upstate New York and attended Hamilton College for her undergraduate degree. She worked in Washington, D.C., as an orthodontic assistant for two years prior to attending the University of New England College of Dental Medicine.
Patient-centered care and public health are two of Dr. Williams's passions , and she strives to bring her passion into her practice every day. Dr. Williams believes in comprehensive dental care and enjoys helping patients achieve healthy and beautiful smiles.
Natasha Seavey, DMD was born and raised in Rockland, Maine. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Medical Biology from the University of New England and went on to graduate from UNEs College of Dental Medicine. Dr. Tasha knew she wanted to be a dentist at the age of 5 and is excited that her dream is now reality. Dr. Tasha is grateful to be practicing at Waterville Community Dental Center where she is eager to give back to the state that has helped her become who she is.
Restorative dentistry and patient-centered care are some of Dr. Tashas greatest passions in dentistry. She aspires to help patients achieve confidence in their smile and to feel at home in the dental office.
Nicole Pratt, DDS moved to Maine from her native California in 2016. She holds a degree in biology from California State University, Sacramento and a Doctorate in Dental surgery from University of California, San Francisco.
Dr. Nicole loves a creative challenge. She is quite resourceful when it comes to saving broken down teeth, though is always considerate of the needs of the person attached to that tooth, first and foremost.
After more than 40 years of providing high-quality dental care to patients in New Jersey, Marc Melnick DDS has chosen to offer the same great care to patients in Central Maine. Dr. Melnick earned his dental degree at the NYU College of Dentistry and is an assistant clinical professor at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He practices at the Waterville Community Dental Center one week a month and feels fortunate to be able to provide care for patients while working with a fantastic staff.
Hope is a caring, compassionate, experienced registered dental hygienist who has worked at the Waterville Community Dental Center since 2001. A lifelong resident of Central Maine and a graduate of Fones School of Dental Hygiene at the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Connecticut, she enjoys the bonds that she makes with patients over her years of providing preventive dental treatment. Hope enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and going camping up north. During Maine's Fair Season, she can be found at various State of Maine Agricultural Fairs, usually in the livestock departments.
Theresa has been a dental hygienist since 2004 and has practiced at the Waterville Community Dental Center since 2011. She earned an associate's degree in applied science in dental hygiene at Monroe Community College in Rochester New York. She lives in Oakland with her 9-year-old daughter, and in her spare time she and her daughter like to craft.
Ali is a recent graduate of Gulf Coast Sate College in Florida. She enjoys helping children and adults maintain healthy, beautiful smiles. She recently returned to Maine after a few years away. She enjoys exploring the great outdoors through hiking, kayaking and horseback riding.
Roxanna has been with the Waterville Community Dental Center as a dental assistant since 2017, helping the doctors create and maintain patients' beautiful smiles. Aside from assisting, she also helps reception with insurance and scheduling.
Roxanna is enrolled in the University of Maine at Augusta's dental hygiene program and expects to graduate in 2022. In her free time, she enjoys shopping and spending time with her husband and their two dogs, Kiwi and Diesel.
Jessica Pelotte started at Waterville Community Dental Center in 2012 as a receptionist. In her current role as executive director, she oversees the general operations of the Center. She is committed to making every experience at the practice a positive one for patients and their families, striving to meet their unique needs.
Outside of the office, she enjoys being active: boating, snowshoeing, walking, traveling, and shopping. She lives with her husband, her stepson, the family's two dogs, Griffin and Keely, and their cat, Bella.
Tarah resides in Mount Vernon with her 3-year old daughter, Hannah and partner, Chris. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Endicott College. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, outdoor activities, exercising, listening to live music and reading. She's worked in the dental field for 6 years as a front desk associate. She likes building relationships with others and making them smile.
