Meet Dr. Helmkamp & Dr. Gagnon

Auburn Dentist

Dr. Jim Helmkamp

Master in Academy of General Dentistry

Dr. Jim Helmkamp is a native of Akron, OH. He graduated from the University of Akron in 1979, then earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the Ohio State College of Dentistry in 1983. Dr. Jim next spent 3 years in the U.S. Army Dental Corps, where he received the Army Commendation Medal. Following his time in military service, Dr. Jim began practicing in Auburn in 1986. He and his wife Jill raised their daughter in Auburn, ME, where they still live.

About MAGD

Dr. Jim Helmkamp has achieved the prestigious Master in the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD), which less than 1% of dentists have accomplished. To qualify for Mastership, individuals must meet the rigorous requirements that ensure they are exposed to current scientific and clinical approaches in all disciplines of dentistry. Among other qualifications, this includes a minimum of 1,100 hours in approved continuing dental education courses. At least 400 of these hours must be accrued in hands-on clinical courses which are closely supervised by highly qualified dental experts.

Additional Honors

Dr. Jim Helmkamp is a current member of the prestigious Crown Council. This is an alliance of leading-edge dentists from around the world who are recognized as “committed to promoting oral health and serving their communities.” Membership is by invitation only.

Dr. Jim served as chairman for the national organization Donated Dental Services and has served locally as dental advisor for Head Start. Dr. Jim continues to be active in community service through dentistry for the disadvantaged and Dentistry for the Handicapped.

Additionally, Dr. Jim Helmkamp has twice been elected president of his local dental society, served on the executive council of the Maine Dental Association, and currently serves on the Maine Dental Association’s Insurance council.

Dr. James Helmkamp was recently honored by the Maine Dental Association. Read the article!

Affiliations and Memberships

    • Master in the Academy of General Dentistry
    • Chair of 2014 State of Maine Donated Dental Services
    • Crown Council since 2004
    • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
    • American Dental Association
    • Maine Dental Association
    • Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry
    • Fellowship in the Academy of Dentistry International
    • Donated Dental Services
    • Androscoggin Valley Dental Society

Dr. Tyler Gagnon

We are excited to introduce Dr. Tyler Gagnon who is joining Mount Auburn Dental.  Dr. Gagnon will be working with Dr. Helmkamp treating our patients in all aspects of dental care.  Dr. Gagnon grew up in Sabattus graduating from Oak Hill High School, class of 2009.  He then earned his bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from the University of Southern Maine.  His desire to help improve the health of his fellow Mainers along with his long-time passion for working with his hands, eventually led him to the field of dentistry.

In a sense, Dr. Gagnon has come full circle as he shadowed Dr. Helmkamp back when he was an undergraduate deciding whether or not he wanted to pursue dentistry.   Apparently, he enjoyed his time with Dr. Helmkamp as he went on to attended The University of New England College of Dental Medicine to graduate with a Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD).

Prior to working at Mount Auburn Dental, Dr. Gagnon has gained experience treating both children and adults with a focus on improving overall oral health, function and esthetics through high quality dentistry and education. “I truly look forward to working with my patients every day to achieve this goal”.

In his free time, you may find Dr. Gagnon paddling his canoe, playing pond hockey or taking day hikes with his Beagle Annabelle.