Dentists and dental students will be able to study and practice advanced techniques together at a state-of-the-art dental clinic at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Faculty of Dentistry’s Vancouver campus thanks to a $1.8 million donation from Patterson Dental.
“The vision to create a modern, dynamic, and interactive learning center for the dental community and students at UBC was a natural fit,” said Joe Ludwig, general manager of Patterson Dental. “We are very proud to partner with UBC Dentistry in the opening of the Patterson Dental Learning Centre.”
British Columbia’s study clubs will be the primary users of the facility, facilitating continuing education and professional development for licensed dentists by bringing them together to study new techniques as required. This spring, clubs also will begin to welcome UBC dentistry students so they can learn alongside master clinicians.
“Through this generous donation, Patterson Dental has provided our students with a platform that hasn’t been available to students in any other dental school,” said Mary MacDougall, dean of the Faculty of Dentistry.
“As our students become embedded in the study clubs, the clubs will infuse in them a commitment to lifelong learning through active mentorship. The quality of education that our students receive through this exposure will help them become more confident, capable entry-level clinicians as they graduate from the UBC Faculty of Dentistry,” MacDougall said.
Patients who have limited access to dental care can visit the clinic for treatment through the study clubs. The open clinic area has 11 chairs and an adjacent lecture room pavilion. One chair is equipped with a webcam and microphone for transmitting live video of procedures to the lecture room pavilion.
The facility was completed in September, and study clubs already have begun using it. An average of three clubs per week are expected during the academic year.
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