Shanna L. Gagnon, DMD

Dentistry has always been a big part of Dr. Shanna’s life. She was born at the University of Connecticut Health Center when her father, Dr. Donald Gagnon, was in his final year of dental school there. When she graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine in 2004, she became the first graduate who was actually born there!

Dr. Shanna was class valedictorian at Gardiner Area High School before going on to Bowdoin College, where she majored in biochemistry and minored in music. Upon graduation from dental school, she was honored with the Academy of Operative Dentistry Award, which is reserved for the graduate who provides the most outstanding restorative care in the class.

She finished second in the state tennis tournament while in high school and played Division III tennis at Bowdoin. She is also an accomplished pianist, having started taking lessons when she was 5. From a young age, she worked at her father’s dental office as an assistant and receptionist.

In 2004, Dr. Shanna began practicing alongside her father, who retired in 2012. Having a widely respected dentist just down the hall allowed her to quickly gain clinical experience that otherwise would have taken years of practice. It also helped to form her conservative approach and learn the finer points that can’t be taught in a classroom.

Dr. Shanna lives in West Gardiner with her husband and three daughters; they love to ski, swim, socialize, and be outside.

Dr. Shanna currently serves on the Maine Dental Association Executive Board as President-Elect. She participates in Donated Dental Services, a program that provides free dental care to elderly, disabled, and otherwise needy patients. She is an active member of the Casco Bay Study Club and expands her expertise by attending many continuing education courses.