Newman opens dental practice in Presque Isle
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Star City Dental Care, LLC, owned and operated by Dr. Michael J. Newman, DMD, has opened for business at 169 Academy Street, bringing over 27 years of experience to the practice.
Newman said he selected Presque Isle to relocate his practice based on a number of factors.
“I wanted my own business and since there’s such a need up here (for dentists), I felt I’d be off and running the moment I got here. I also love watching nature and enjoy spending time outside, and what better place to do that than in Aroostook County,” said Newman.
Prior to arriving in Presque Isle in January, Newman said he’d practiced dentistry both in and out of state.
“I was born and raised in New Jersey and practiced dentistry there upon my graduation from college. From there, I moved to Maine and practiced in York County,” he said.
SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS — Presque Isle now has a new dental practice, located at 169 Academy St. Dr. Michael Newman has opened Star City Dental Care, LLC, offering a wide range of dental care. He is currently accepting new patients. Pictured making an appointment are, from left: Dr. Newman and dental patient Maurice Driscoll, of Easton.
His first time in Aroostook was last summer, when he had an opportunity to enjoy some of the many community celebrations that were taking place.
“I came up for the first time around August 2009. I like parades and enjoy festive occasions. I was back in the area for the Light Parade and would like to have a parade float ready for that this year. I actually made sure I was able to be in town for it,” said Newman, noting he actually made the official move to the area on Jan. 1, 2010. He began seeing patients on Jan. 22.
“To think, a year ago I didn’t know where Presque Isle was and now I’m calling it home,” Newman said.
Newman brings with him a wealth of knowledge. He is a 1983 graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson School of Dental Medicine, with a DMD degree. He also holds a masters degree in human anatomy.
“I take continuing education courses on a yearly basis in the Maine-Boston-New York areas,” added Newman.
He has also been recognized as one of the nation’s top dentists.
“I have been selected as one of America’s Top Dentists for 2009-2010 by The Consumer’s Research Counsel of America,” said Newman.
Using state-of-the-art equipment, Newman offers a variety of dental services for children and adults.
DR. MICHAEL NEWMAN was recognized as one of America’s Top Dentists for 2009. He is now practicing dentistry in Presque Isle.
“My office will be working to provide patients with high-quality dental care. The office is equipped with a new computerized Statim 2000 dental sterilizer/autoclave to ensure patient’s safety,” said Newman. “I insist upon having cleanliness at all levels in the office.”
Services will include but are not limited to: general dentistry, crowns, bridges, bondings and extractions.
“The dental materials I use to restore teeth are state-of-the-art composites and bonding systems and I use quality crown/bridge/denture labs. I do more personalized, thorough type dentistry. I do cleaning as well, getting in to see what’s going on myself,” he explained. “I’ve done a lot of children’s dentistry in the past.”
Setting up the business has taken up much of his time since arriving in town earlier this winter. Newman hopes once a schedule is established he’ll be able to enjoy the area and all it has to offer.
“Putting it (the practice) all together, I haven’t had much time for recreation, but I like to bike, kayak. I’m a big wildlife fan and would like to see more. I’ve seen a moose a couple times so far but would like to see more,” he said.
He also enjoys taking part in community activities.
“I like to get involved in a community. I’ve attended a couple stew nights at the Presque Isle Snowmobile Club. I had breakfast at the Washburn Trailrunners clubhouse one day,” said Newman. “I don’t have a lot of family left — most are out of state. So the community becomes my family. I’m renting now but would someday like to buy a house in the area. I’ve looked around some and right now I think I like the Easton area. It’s nice and close to work.”
While Newman has enjoyed taking in the sights, sounds and local hospitality, he said in the future he’d like to do something to give something back to the community as well.
“Much of my work over the years has been with children. There are so many under-insured and uninsured youth out there. I’d like to do something in the future to help some of those in need, by offering free service to those individuals a few times a year,” said Newman.
Newman said it might be one day a month — perhaps a Saturday — or at least a couple times a year.
“It would be my way of giving back to the community. I think it’s important for those who can to help others in need,” Newman said, adding he planned to speak with other offices in the area to see if anyone else might be interested. “We could use my office one time, another the next.”
According to Newman, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
“It’s better to fill a cavity now than to wait until an infection has set in or an extraction is necessary,” he said.
A relaxing atmosphere greets patients, with a flat-screen television installed in the waiting area and magazines to help pass the time before an appointment.
“I’m a very relaxed person and that’s the kind of tone I like to set. I plan to incorporate music to help relax patients too,” he said.
Currently, the practice has flexible hours. Newman said he was surprised when he arrived to find that most practices are closed on Friday.
“When I practiced in New Jersey, there was an overabundance of dentists. The big days there are Fridays and Saturdays. I’d like to be open Fridays and have one late night per week — probably open until 7 p.m. — for those who have to travel or work and can’t get away during the daytime,” said Newman. “I may take Tuesday or Thursday off. Right now I’m just getting established and my hours are flexible.”
Payment can be made using a variety of methods.
“Like most dentists, I don’t take Maine Care. And like most practices, I ask for payment at time of service — pay up front and we’ll fill out the forms for you to send to insurance for reimbursement. I also accept cash, checks and credit cards,” said Newman. “For me, it’s about quality of care, not the quantity of patients I see. I don’t have to see 20 people in one day.”
Newman is in the process of filling positions at his office.
“I’ve been busy getting established and have been looking for office staff, a hygienist. I have a listing up at the school in Bangor for a hygienist but also hope someone local would be interested,” said Newman.
Newman said he’s grateful to all the hard work put in by the many individuals who’ve been remodeling his office and making the transition here easier.
“I’d like to thank the carpenters, electricians, plumber and my friends who helped me put the office together. Without them, none of this would have been possible,” said Newman.
For more information or to set up an appointment, phone 540-1430 or 540-1431.
