MPCA News

Husband-Wife Dental Team Join Butte CHC

Dr. Shel Lavoie

Husband and wife dentist team, Drs. Joel and Shel Lavoie, have joined the staff of Butte Community Health Center’s Dental Clinic. The Lavoies, who live in Helena, began seeing patients at the clinic in June, 2004.

Joel LaVoie is originally from Helena. He graduated from the University of Colorado School of Dentistry in 2000. After graduation, he took a position at Columbia Dental in Bellingham, Washington.

Shel Lavoie is originally from Denver and graduated from the university of Colorado School of Dentistry in 2001. Prior to moving to Montana, she worked at Seamar Community Health Center in Bellingham, Washington.

Shel Lavoie said she and her husband are excited to have the opportunity to live and work in Montana. “I think the opportunity to work together was nice, too,” she added.

Lavoie added that she was glad to continue her work in a community health setting.

“It’s really gratifying to help people that don’t have a lot of options,” she said.

Jennifer Lane, the clinic’s dental coordinator, said the addition of two dentists to the staff is helping to meet the growing need for affordable dental care within the community. Lane said the clinic offers fillings, extractions and a limited amount of dental cleanings,

“Fifty-three percent of our patients are uninsured,”said Lane, who explained that the clinic offers fees on a sliding scale. “The cost is based on income and family size,” she said.

With the addition of the Lavoies, dental services are expected to double at the clinic. “I think prevention is the main thing to focus on…don’t wait till a problem becomes and emergency,” said Dr. Joel Lavoie. He also suggested brushing and flossing, and a healthy diet to avoid dental problems.

Montana Primary Care Association 1805 Euclid Avenue Helena, MT 59601 Phone: (406) 442-2750 Fax: (406) 449-2460