LEBANON, N.H. – Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) celebrated the opening of its new Mammography Imaging Center with a ribbon-cutting on July 15, marking the completion of a project designed to improve patient experience, increase access to breast imaging services, and enhance clinical efficiency.
The new facility brings screening and diagnostic mammography services together in one location, eliminating the longstanding need for patients to navigate between separate areas of the hospital for imaging, follow-up testing, and biopsies.
The project also expands screening capacity with the addition of a third mammography room and replaces two aging mammography units with the latest imaging technology from Hologic. Later this month, the center will begin offering contrast-enhanced mammography, an advanced imaging option that improves cancer detection in women with dense breast tissue and provides a more affordable, timely alternative to breast MRI for some patients.
The redesigned space also features updated changing areas and a private consultation room where providers can discuss results with patients and their loved ones.
“What we’ve accomplished here is an environment that supports, welcomes, and embraces women who are probably going through one of the most nerve-wracking 15-minute procedures they’ll have all year,” said Dr. Joanne M. Conroy, CEO and president of Dartmouth Health.
“This is a beautiful facility for screening mammography, diagnostic mammography, and biopsies,” said Dr. David M. Naeger, chair of the department of radiology at Dartmouth Health and vice president of the radiology service line. “We wanted to create a kind, welcoming, and warm space for patients undergoing a procedure that can be very anxiety-provoking. This project was made possible through the collaboration of many people, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped bring it to life on behalf of our patients.”
Chriss Kvinlaug, senior manager of clinical operations in radiology at DHMC, said the project modernizes breast imaging services while helping meet growing demand across the region.
“We’re very excited that we were able to elevate the space and make it relevant for women’s health in 2026,” said Kvinlaug. “Integrating our screening and diagnostic services gives us a greater ability to meet the needs of patients requiring mammography screening and diagnostic studies throughout the Upper Valley and beyond.”
To learn more about breast imaging services at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, visit www.dartmouth-hitchock.org/breast-health.