On a picture-perfect evening at Coastal Prime in Boothbay Harbor, Lincoln County Dental received the seventh annual Coulombe Center Award for Innovation on June 3.

Lincoln County Dental was nominated for its innovative support of dental care for local United States Veterans. Keynote speaker Sarah Sherman, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services, spoke about the program’s humble beginnings when it received a $35,000 grant from Northeast Delta Dental to improve veterans’ care. The award quickly moved to $100,000 and recently, a $300,000 grant was secured.

Lincoln County Dental development director Holly Stover accepted the award, noting the importance of this work and how these services are being provided without taxpayer resources. The event attendees included many past Innovation Award winners, Lincoln County Dental Board members and several LincolnHealth care team members.

The Innovation Award selection process begins with nominations from the public. Organizations cannot self-nominate. A team comprised of LincolnHealth employees rank each nomination to choose a winner.