Michele Shems, DMD, PA. Photo by Winky Lewis, Portland, Maine

DR. SHEMS & TEAM

Michele Shems, DMD, PA

President of Maine Association of Orthodontists (2018–present)

Being in orthodontics is a rewarding journey. It's not only about crafting beautiful smiles but also about forming incredibly special and meaningful connections with our patients and their families. It is a privilege to be part of the journey of our young patients' steps towards adulthood. It's a unique and heartwarming experience.

American Association of Orthodontists Member
Board Certified, American Board of Orthodontics

Experience
& Education

  • Intensive Aligner Fellowship 2018-present

  • University of Vermont BA in History

  • Tufts University School of Dental Medicine DMD

  • Tufts University School of Dental Medicine Residency and Certificate in Orthodontics

  • Lifetime Board Certified, Diplomate American Board of Orthodontics

  • Masters Certification in Invisalign

  • Guest speaker for Invisalign-Europe and US

Professional
Memberships

  • College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics

  • American Association of Orthodontists

  • Current President of Maine Association of Orthodontists

  • American Dental Association

  • American Board of Orthodontics

  • Tufts Association of Orthodontists

  • New England Society of Orthodontists

  • Casco Bay Study Club – Orthodontic Advisor

  • New England Orthodontic Study Club

Beyond
the Practice

  • Loves all kinds of activities: hiking, biking, skiing, uphill skiing, fitness classes, any sort of movement especially with friends.

  • Born and raised in Maine and returned to raise a family after living in Palm Beach County, FL

  • Dual citizenship with France – love all things French

  • Fluent in French and bichen Deutch

  • Love to travel and adventure in the outdoors

  • Enjoying having fun with her three children and two dogs

  • 🎗💓 Survivor

Our Team

Michele Shems, DMD, PA, photo by Winky Lewis, Portland, Maine

Michele Shems, DMD, PA

There is not a day that I do not receive compliments about how outstanding my team is! Every woman in this office is my dear friend, teacher and trusted right hand. Together these amazing women are truly one of the secrets to the success of the practice.
Learn more about Dr. Shems

Janet, Practice Manager

Janet, Practice Manager

I have proudly worked alongside Dr. Shems for many years now. I appreciate her conservative and personal approach to orthodontics, and I think patients do as well! As Practice Manager, I am here to make sure your experience with us is top notch. Having worked as an orthodontic assistant for 12 years, I’m always available to answer questions related to your orthodontic treatment or your account. Our goal is for every patient to receive quality care based on their individual needs.

I have two grown children and blessed to live near both of them as their families grow. I am honored to carry on our Italian families tradition of being called “Nunnie” and will spoil my grand-babies as best I can.

Penny, Clinical Assistant & Lab Technician

Penny, Clinical Assistant & Lab Technician

I became a huge fan of orthodontics when I found myself as an orthodontic patient! I realized the positive impact that having a great smile had on my self-esteem. I wanted to be part of making others just as happy! I’ve been in the orthodontic field for over 25 years, most of them with Dr. Shems. I’m a clinical assistant and a lab technician. I make all of our patients’ retainers and other appliances in our in-house lab and am also a trained orthodontic assistant. I love seeing the smile on a patient’s face when their braces come off! I’m a bit quiet, but I get the job done.

I love my job, and when I’m not working, you may find me out kayaking, walking/hiking, riding my mountain bike or my spin bike.

Shannon, Treatment Coordinator & Senior Orthodontic Assistant

Shannon, Treatment Coordinator & Senior Orthodontic Assistant

I learned my skill while serving in the USAF and have been in the dental field for over 27 years. I have worked alongside Dr. Shems for over 17 years and I love it!! The best part of my job is helping to instill confidence within our patients and being a part of creating their beautiful smile.

When I’m not in the office I enjoy spending time with my 5 amazing kids, my grandchild, friends, playing board games and attending church.

Carolyn, Clinical Supervisor

Carolyn, Clinical Supervisor

After growing up in Massachusetts, I began my career in orthodontics fifteen years ago while living in Florida. Since making my way back to New England in 2012, I am so fortunate to have continued my journey with Dr. Shems in an office which provides top-notch care to every patient. My goal is to use my knowledge and skills to provide exceptional orthodontic care in a comfortable, professional environment. I feel blessed to be a part of each patient’s journey in achieving a healthy, beautiful smile they can be proud of.

When I am not in the office, I enjoy spending time with my family and fur babies. I also love to be outdoors, especially in the garden. On rainy days, I test my skills in the kitchen cooking favorite dishes and trying new recipes.

Marie, Orthodontic Assistant

Marie, Orthodontic Assistant

I have over 37 years of experience in the dental field. I find it rewarding working with patients of all ages to give them a beautiful smile. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, baking, knitting and outdoor activities.

Danielle, Financial Coordinator

Danielle, Financial Coordinator

I am so grateful to work alongside Dr. Shems and her amazing team. I have several years experience in the orthodontic field. I am here to help patients with the financial process. I desire to make it as easy and seamless as possible. One of the most rewarding parts of working in the orthodontic field is helping patients achieve the beautiful smile they have dreamed of.

When I am not at work, I enjoy spending my time with my family. My husband and I have two boys Noah and Jamison. Also I love spending time with all our fur babies! We enjoy hiking, camping, fishing and four wheeling.

Shae, Orthodontic Assistant

Shae, Orthodontic Assistant

I’ve been in the dental field for over 27 years. As a teenager, I knew right away that dentistry is what I wanted to do as my career. I’ve been passionate since and am fortunate to have been welcomed into Dr. Shems’ practice to be able to continue expanding my dental experience, now in orthodontics. Dr. Shems and the team are a wonderful group to work with.

I’m a mom of two boys, Aiden and Caiden. I am married to my best friend Jason, who is a lobsterman, and works very hard for our family. We have four fur babies, two dogs, Ben and Jerry, and two kitties, Piglet and Fish. They bring us pure joy!

In my free time, I enjoy working in my flower gardens, going for bike rides with my husband and vacationing in warmer weather.