About Alayna Mender, DMD

Dr. Mender

Alayna Mender, DMD, is a New Hampshire native and has recently relocated to Maine to join the SRD family after practicing in New Hampshire for 7 years. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology and minor in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2010. She then attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a dentist (her kindergarten yearbook reads “When I grow up, I want to be a…Dentist!”). She graduated with her DMD as a member of the TUSDM Class of 2014 and joined a private practice in Auburn, New Hampshire.

She is a member of the American Dental Association, the Maine Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry, where she is actively working to obtain her Fellowship.

Dr. Mender is dedicated to educating her patients to help them understand treatment recommendations, processes, and plans to ensure they are as confident and comfortable as possible. Her goal is to provide every patient with compassionate and high-quality care as if they were a member of her own family.

She loves spending time with her family and feels most at home when surrounded by mountains and lakes, especially Lake Winnipesaukee. As a former gymnast, she loves staying active and enjoys yoga, skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. Dr. Mender also loves traveling, home improvement projects, and all things Disney.

Educational Background

Undergraduate Degree – University of Massachusetts Lowell
Dental School – Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

Professional Organizations

Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) – Member
Maine Academy of General Dentistry (ME AGD) – Member
American Dental Association (ADA) – Member
Maine Dental Association (MDA) – Member
Greater Portland Dental Society (GPDS) – Member
New England Master Track Program (NEMTP) – Member & Secretary

Why did you decide to become a dentist?

I have dreamed of being a dentist since kindergarten! My personal experience with my own family dentist was always positive and I found it fascinating. My passion for dentistry was even further solidified when I received my own orthodontic care and my confidence in my own smile increased dramatically upon completion of treatment. I absolutely love to try and give patients those same general and family dentistry experiences I was lucky enough to have myself.

What do you enjoy most about being a dentist?

I enjoy being able to get to know my patients and earn their trust by providing them with a high-quality, compassionate, and comfortable experience.

How would you briefly describe your patient care philosophy?

My philosophy is to always look at the big picture before trying to fix something. It is imperative to assess a patient comprehensively in order to properly care for them and address their needs and concerns for the long term.

Are there any particular moments in your career that stand out for you?

The moments when I can earn a patient’s trust, bring them happy tears, increase their confidence, improve their oral health, and develop long-lasting relationships are all special and are exactly the reason I love what I do.

What do you feel are some of the most significant breakthroughs in dentistry—and what do you look forward to in the future?

I think that 3D imaging by CBCT, airway assessment for sleep apnea, sleep dentistry, and Invisalign® clear aligner therapy are some of the specific categories I feel are growing rapidly and the technology is advancing in such a way to allow us to actually have an impact in improving someone’s overall health, not just their oral health. I look forward to following these areas and continuing to learn about them to help my patients.

What’s the top advice you have for someone who is looking for a dentist?

It’s important that you trust who you see, that you are informed in what is being done, and the provider stands behind their work. If you are anxious or embarrassed, I encourage you to give yourself the opportunity to learn what your options are, and know we are here to help you.

How would you describe working at Saco River Dentistry?

I am so elated to have made the move to join this practice. This team of people is the best I’ve ever been a part of and the collaboration here is astonishing.