For many people, the notion that sitting in the dentist’s chair might be the most relaxing experience of their whole day would be unthinkable. In fact, many people neglect proper oral health because they are so worried about a session with a dentist. The Center for Advanced Dentistry, on Maine Street in Auburn, has been dedicated to helping people overcome their fears and discomfort and to enable their patients to access a full range of dental services in comfort and security. In addition to the use of the “oral conscious sedation” techniques the practice has employed for years, the arrival of Dr. Jonathan Bernstein, earlier this year, permits them to also use an intravenous (IV) form of conscious sedation, as well. With special training and certification in this process, Bernstein explained, “The level of sedation can be controlled more effectively, onset of sedation is quicker, and recovery is also quicker.” About 40 percent of Advanced Dentistry’s patients use some form of sedation.

A native of Buffalo, New York, who bears an uncanny resemblance to George Clooney, Bernstein is an honors graduate of Northwestern University Dental School, in Chicago, and has since practiced in a number of locations in the Midwest as well as Buffalo. The opportunity to become part of the long-established L-A area practice was “exactly what I was looking for,” Dr. Bernstein explained. “I place and restore implants to create strong, beautiful smiles where teeth have been missing, and to support loose dentures and partials. I also [have] surgical experience including selected removal of wisdom teeth, [and we] provide comfortable laser treatment of periodontal disease.”

Bernstein joins Dr. Robert Limoges, who has been practicing in this community since 1976, and who will continue his association with Advanced Dentistry for a few more years, along with a dedicated staff who have also been with the practice for years. “The loyalty and commitment of our staff is a big part of what attracted me to this practice,” Bernstein said. Bernstein is also, in his words, an “avid outdoorsman,” who enjoys cycling, hiking, running and Nordic skiing, and so finds central Maine the ideal place in which to have settled. He lives in Auburn. The staff of nearly a dozen dentists, assistants, hygienists and support staff bustle about a busy maze of treatment stations, packed with the latest technology and all dedicated to the health and comfort of their patients.

“One of the most important of our continuing traditions,” Bernstein said, “will be the upcoming seventh annual ‘Dentistry with a Heart’ day, May 11.” The entire staff will be available to perform free extractions, fillings and cleanings on a first-come, first-served basis to as many people in line as they can possibly accommodate in one day. “It has been our privilege to have treated dozens of patients on that day over the years. For some, that day may be their only access to appropriate dental care, and we are grateful to our staff and our suppliers for helping this happen every year.”

Bernstein is happy to continue the Advanced Dentistry tradition of using the latest technology, combined with heartfelt commitment to the comfort and well-being of their patients, not just on “Dentistry with a Heart” day, but all year long.