AboutInspire Dental of Maine
Inspire Dental of Maine is a Portland based family dentist practice that treats patients of all ages. We are committed to delivering the highest quality dental care and do so using advanced dental equipment. We are a cosmetic dentist that offers services like checkups, teeth cleaning, veneers and more.
We also perform emergency dentist services that include bonding, root canals, crowns, and bridges. As a local dentist, we create lifelong relationships with our patients and their families and work to ensure that they receive treatments in a comfortable and relaxed environment. Dr. Lukis and our team invite you to schedule an appointment by calling 207-221-5578 and experience why our patients think Inspire Dental of Maine is the best dentist in Portland.
DDS
Kevin Lukis, DDS
Dr. Lukis' journey to become a dentist was a little different than the typical path. He graduated in 1994 with a bachelors degree in biology and art from a small college in Minnesota called Gustavus Adolphus where he met his wife Lisa. He then enjoyed a successful career representing manufacturers of several dental technology devices, training dentists in the use of lasers, digital radiography and surgical microscopes. After nearly a dozen years working in this capacity, he decided to become a dentist himself!
It was a big leap of faith, to give up his career and go back to school at that stage of life. He did, because he felt a 'higher calling' to provide dental care to patients directly, and knew how much the profession would suit him. He has always been interested in dental technologies and the way that modern advances can improve the quality of patient care. He has an interest and aptitude in both the artistic and scientific aspects of dentistry and enjoys working with patients of all ages, young, old and in-between!
Receiving his dental training at the prestigious University of Michigan, School of Dentistry, Dr. Lukis was elected by his peers to serve as Class President, acting as student-faculty liaison to assist with grading policy and curriculum development. He was elected to serve as Vice President of the student-chapter of the American Association of Endodontists as well as serving on the University's digital radiography implementation committee.
Along with his two children, Dr. Lukis and his wife continue their "life's adventure" living in Maine. He took over the dental practice on 1355 Congress Street in Portland, Maine in April of 2014. He is a member of the ADA (American Dental Association), MDA (Maine Dental Association) and enjoys playing hockey, skiing, mountain biking, sailing and just about any recreational activity involving the ocean and water!
“Blessed are they who hold lively conversations with the helplessly mute, for they shall be called dentists.”
- Ann Landers
Our dental practice was originally founded by Dr. Jay Cooney who ran it for nearly 19 years at 25 Long Creek Drive in South Portland. Following his unexpected passing in 2006, it was sold to David Melevsky, DDS who relocated it to 1355 Congress Street before he stepped down in January, 2014. It was later purchased and refreshed with a new look, philosophy and name which could succinctly summarize what we're all about. Inspire Dental of Maine was registered with the State of Maine on April first, (no joke!) of that same year.
We wanted "inspire" in our title, for each of the following reasons.
Certainly, our patients inspire us! They keep us motivated and striving for continuous clinical and professional self-improvement, to do our best to educate our patients and when necessary, derive creative solutions to the complex clinical challenges we face together.
We recognize the importance that our team inspire one another, to work hard on patients' behalf and to support one another.
Last, but not least, we hope to inspire you, and all of our patients, to achieve outstanding oral health through treatment received at our office and quality self-care at home.
“At our practice, we love what we do and hope it always shows. We want to be the opposite of "Going-Through-the-Motions/Dental-Factory-Clinic." With our caring and professional staff, we will take time to listen to your concerns and create personalized treatment plans as unique as your individual needs.”
We are Inspire Dental of Maine: comprehensive family dentistry, with care and enthusiasm!-Kevin Lukis, DDS
This photo is from my family’s first trip to Maine.
Acadia National Park inspired my family and me to want to live here!
Shannon Palermino
Business Manager
Shannon began her dental career over 15 years ago after graduating from The University of New England as a Registered Dental Hygienist. Along the way, she was able to enhance her experience in dentistry by taking on the responsibilities of office manager. Shannon loves getting to know the patients! Helping patients get the care they need is her passion. Along with her dedication to her career Shannon enjoys every minute spent with her two wonderful children. She also enjoys cooking, hiking and practicing yoga.
Kaitlyn Tracy
Patient Care Coordinator
A series of conversations with her enthusiastic dental hygienist as a child, first began her interest in working in the dental field. She remains drawn to the profession largely out of desire to help people and promote good health. In her free time, Kaitlyn enjoys hiking, competitive swimming, camping and spending time with her growing family.
Ashley Aaskov
Registered Dental Assistant
One of the newest members of our team, Ashley has had a desire to work in the dental profession from a very young age. She is licensed in dental radiology and is eager to help provide care and make your experience comfortable and relaxed as possible. In her free time, she enjoys looking after her young daughter and being with family. She is active with seasonal outdoor life in Maine such as sledding/tubing in the winter, swimming at the beach or spending time at camp in the summer.
Janessa Solari
Registered Dental Assistant
With over 25 years of experience assisting in clinical dentistry, Janessa has worked with oral surgeons, endodontists & pediatric dental specialists. She has also worked in a dental lab aiding with the manufacture of dentures & removable prosthetics. She came to Inspire Dental with a desire to work in general/family practice dentistry, because she finds the work highly fulfilling and enjoys the wide variety of daily challenges. Outside of dentistry, Janessa is a motorcycle enthusiast and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and daughters.
Sonya Grass
Registered Dental Hygienist
Originally from Chicago, moved to Maine in 2000. Sonya began her dental career in 2007. She is a graduate from The University of New England Class of 2011. Along with being an enthusiastic dental hygienist, she is amother of two busy boys. She and her family enjoy being active and getting outdoors to explore! She enjoys everything being a boy mom entails, heading upta camp, fishing, hunting and catching frogs.
Amanda Worster
Registered Dental Hygienist
A native of Maine, Amanda grew up in a county of where access to dental care was quite limited. Having had many positive experiences of her own as a child, she developed a desire to become a hygienist and provide care to children and adults herself. She cares deeply for patients and the pride she takes in her work shows! Outside of practicing dental hygiene, Amanda enjoys playing the piano, golf, singing, camping and letting her (chef) husband cook for her!
Christopher McCarthy
Licensed Denturist
Chris has degrees in both fine arts and denturism. With over 10-years experience working with denture patients (ranging from complete and partial dentures as well as implant-supported overdentures) he has an aptitude and interest in both the scientific and artistic aspects of denture design and manufacture.
Returning to his home state of Maine, along with his wife and young son, Chris is an avid outdoorsman, building/modifying cycles he uses in competitive cyclocross.