RUMFORD – River Valley residents who have had to drive 40 or 50 miles to get dental services, or those who just haven’t had their teeth attended to because of cost, can begin making appointments for dental care Monday.

The Community Dental clinic under construction at the River Valley Technology Center is expected to open by late February.

The organization that will operate it, Portland-based Community Dental, wants to start booking patients now.

“This is for everyone with private insurance, Maine Care, or those without insurance will be charged a sliding fee,” said Lisa Cavanaugh, executive director of Community Dental.

She said many dentists do not accept Maine Care insurance, which has presented a problem for people with dental problems.

People may make appointments by phoning 369-3600. Callers will get an answering machine. Within a short time, someone will call them back and set up an appointment.

Maine Care patients from the River Valley area frequently drive to the Community Dental clinics in Farmington or Lewiston for care. That won’t be necessary any longer.

Two dentists and two hygienists will provide services, and about 10 people will work at the clinic. Cavanaugh expects about 4,500 adults and children to be served.

A $350,000 grant from the Maine Health Access Foundation was the final piece needed to launch the clinic.

Cavanaugh said a portion of that figure will be used to integrate health care among the dental clinic, Rumford Hospital and Tri-County Mental Health. Those agencies, along with the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition, worked to bring the dental clinic to the area.

Patricia Duguay, director of the coalition, said dental care was one of the top needs identified by her organization for the people in the area.

“There’s a lack of such services here, and people in Oxford County have to travel such great distances,” she said.

An open house has been tentatively set for Feb. 13.

Cavanaugh said advertisements for hygienists, dental assistants and office workers will soon appear in local newspapers.

She said Community Dental wants to hire local people. The organization is holding a nationwide search for dentists.