Penobscot Community Health Care (PCHC) has accepted a $20,000 donation from The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation in support of the PCHC Seaport Dental Center in Belfast. The eight-chair clinic is located on the second floor of Seaport Community Health Center’s new integrated primary care clinic.

The dental program is projected to provide critical care to more through more than 7,000 patient encounters annually, regardless of the patient’s financial situation, according to a PCHC news release.

“PCHC’s Seaport Dental Center is committed to improving lives and strengthening the health of our region,” said Gavin Robinson, SVP, Community Relations Manager & Public Finance Officer of Bangor Savings Bank. “At The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation, we believe that access to high-quality care is essential to the well-being of Maine communities and we’re proud to support this critical work.”

“The addition of dental services to Waldo County is a win for the community and the healthcare system,” said Lori Dwyer, CEO & president of PCHC. “The clinic will add jobs, support economic development and reduce the cost of care in Maine in the long-term.”

As a nonprofit, PCHC relies on philanthropy, grants, and partnerships to expand access, enhance services and innovate for the benefit of patients. PCHC employs more than 700 people and reinvests $68 million in wages into Maine’s economy. It serves more than 53,000 patients annually with medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and other specialty outpatient services.

The dental clinic is scheduled to open in the spring.