DEAR SUN SPOTS: I hope that you or some of your readers can help me.

I have a 26-year-old developmentally disabled daughter who has been unable to find a dentist able to take care of her teeth. She has a severe gag reflex that prevents her from being able to undergo any type of dental work, including exams or X-rays without being “put out.”

She had all of her previous dental work done at the Preble Street Dental Clinic in Portland, which was recently closed because of funding cuts by the government. I do not know what the other patients of the clinic are doing for dental work, maybe one of them could answer.

She was last seen a year and a half ago, so should really find a dentist soon. Thank you for your help and all that you do. — Lynn, Rumford

ANSWER: Sun Spots wasn’t sure from your question whether the primary issue was low-cost dental service or the being “put out,” so she hopes her answer is helpful.

The Centers for Community Dental Health, which are nonprofit dental clinics, have five offices in Maine, including Farmington (779-2659), Rumford (369-3600), Lewiston (777-7442) and Portland (874-1028).

Sun Spots called the Rumford office and was told that the Farmington office does offer nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” which doesn’t put the patient out, but might be sufficient. Alternatively, perhaps a calming drug like Valium might enable your daughter to undergo procedures?

The Rumford office receptionist also said that the Portland office is looking to expand its services and might open an operating room where patients could be sedated. Of course, that doesn’t mean they will offer sedation for routine work, which, from the calls Sun Spots made, apparently many dentists don’t do.

In a few years help might come from the new dental school at the University of New England, which has admitted its second class. On the school website it says that once they have students filling all four years of the program they will begin accepting patients. 

Finally, the Maine Dental Association website has a Find the Dentist link at www.mouthhealthy.org/en/find-a-dentist, but it doesn’t seem too helpful for Lynn’s quest, as it does not offer the category she seeks.

Perhaps readers will have other suggestions.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I just wanted to let you know that my complaint against Sears (Sept. 20) is finally settled. It took a year, but I won a full settlement

I just sent an email to John Palmer, who gave me advice through your column (Sept. 29).

So this had nothing to do with Sears being nice, just the fact they didn’t want to go to court. What a relief. Your column is amazing! — No Name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots can take no credit for this success. John wrote and gave No Name detailed instructions on how to pursue her claim through a legal process. Yea, John!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: A few months ago I put a note in your column to get Christmas trees for Roak Block. I received four beautiful trees, and we used all of them this Christmas season. They were lovely and thank you again.

However, we still would like two more 7- to 9-foot trees. We got one from a church in West Paris (I think), and it was the highlight of our Christmas. It stood grand and special at Roak Block.

We have a large lobby and four floors, so would love to have two more large ones. My number is 754-8668 or 784-1838. Thanks again to those we already have. Happy New Year. — Leta, gileta@roadrunner.com

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