Why digital dentistry and why now?
Digital dentistry refers to the use of digital technology and computer software to digitally capture, and design different parts of dental procedures. Dental schools across the country have been implementing digital technologies into their curriculum beginning in the very early 2000s and now it is a part of almost every curriculum. An increasing number of dental clinics are also using digital dentistry to treat their patients, and it’s becoming increasingly imperative to teach students this technology so they are up to date when they graduate. Simply put, we are behind our peer schools in acquisition of the equipment that makes digital technology possible.
Digital dentistry for our students
Digital Dentistry has become an integral part of oral and craniofacial patient care. Whether than includes using an electronic health record, digital x-rays, intra oral scanning, digital smile design, or AI to automate oral diagnosis, digital dentistry is already here and will only grow. It is imperative that the School of Dentistry make progress in this space, to ensure our students and patients enjoy the many benefits that digital dentistry offers to our curriculum, patient care and research efforts. Students are excited to learn even more about this technology and its inclusion in the curriculum is becoming a key area students evaluate when making admission decisions.
We’ll realize the full potential of technology for creating excellent educational experiences
RENOVATIONS ARE CRUCIAL
The next step in ushering in a more modern dental school is the remodeling and upgrading of the D1-Simulation Lab. We will also transform B154, renovating and equipping it with innovative haptic technology, bringing the School of Dentistry to the leading edge of digital dentistry.
Renovation of D1 Simulation Lab
- Modernize space to include digital technology capabilities at every workstation, including the ability to interpret scan data and design restorations
- Renovation of the East Wet Lab into a Digital Technology Center, including the equipment needed to support CADCAM technology
- Enable the podium infrastructure with updated remote teaching technology
- Allows an entire class of students to learn and practice scanning efficiently and expediently
Renovation of B154 for Haptic Technologies
- Purchase of up to eight haptic technology units for virtual reality simulation
- Will provide precise visual training for restorative procedures, periodontal, oral surgery (local anesthesia) and implant placement
- Will be used for training D1 and D2 students who will receive immediate feedback on their skills, and D3 and D4 students who wish to improve further
- Once trained, students will be able to access haptic workstations at any time
Dentistry, as many other aspects of our lives, is becoming increasingly digital. It is imperative that we at the UW School of Dentistry make progress in this space, to ensure our students and patients enjoy the many benefits that digital dentistry offers to our curriculum, patient care, and research efforts. That progress will only be possible with significant financial resources, and the Digital Dentistry phase of the Campaign for Clinics will position us very well to succeed in that effort.
WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP.
Over the course of the next year, the School of Dentistry needs to raise $5 million to bring digital technology to the School of Dentistry. Our immediate goal is to raise $1.5 million for the renovation of the D1 Simulation Lab. The generous support of our alumni will be key.
Your gift will have an enormous impact.
- For our students: The graduates have to know how to use these technologies because it’s the future of dentistry. Their peers will know how, and we need to give them this experience.
- For our patients: Our patients will receive more efficient care, experience shorter wait times and fewer appointments, as we streamline their care with evidence-based technologies, procedures and processes.
- For everyone: Through research, we’ll generate innovative technologies and processes that will positively impact oral health worldwide.
Please help us get there. Your gift will make a difference.
We invite you to make a gift. Gifts in any amount are welcome, and we ask you to be as generous as you are able. For gifts of $10,000 or more, we will recognize your gift with a nameplate on an individual work station. Additional naming opportunities are also available.
Your gift will make a difference.
For further information, please contact:
UW School of Dentistry Advancement
206-685-9350