USask celebrates opening of state-of-the-art dental clinic
Renovations to the University of Saskatchewan (USask) dental clinic have provided the College of Dentistry with some of the most advanced technology and training infrastructure in North America.
USask marked a major milestone in dental education and patient care on May 1 with the grand opening of the College of Dentistry’s newly renovated clinic. The $24-million project, supported by the Government of Saskatchewan and generous corporate donors, reflects a shared commitment to strengthening health-care training and improving access to oral health services in the province.
The Honourable Ken Cheveldayoff, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Advanced Education, attended the event and joined USask President Vince Bruni-Bossio for the official ribbon cutting to celebrate the crowning achievement for the university.
Originally built in the 1970s and last upgraded in the 1990s, the university clinic was due for a comprehensive overhaul to meet the evolving demands of modern dental education and patient care. The newly renovated facility now features state-of-the-art equipment and technology in both clinical and pre-clinical learning environments to prepare the province’s next generation of dental specialists. USask students will train using advanced simulation technologies, digital imaging systems and modern treatment units that reflect current dental practice.
As a key community resource, the clinic will also play an important role in delivering accessible oral health care for all, with services provided at a reduced cost. As a leading training centre for dentists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, students complete the final phases of their education by treating patients from the community under the supervision of licensed faculty members.
The integration of new technologies is expected to enhance the patient experience, increase efficiency, and shorten treatment times, allowing the clinic to serve up to 20 per cent more patients each year.
The upgraded clinic will support innovative approaches to teaching and research for students, providing an avenue for the college to continue the dental education portfolio by adding specialty programs and increasing the number of students in current programs, reinforcing USask’s role in advancing health sciences education in Saskatchewan.
QUOTES:
“This is an exciting day for the College of Dentistry and for the University of Saskatchewan, supporting students and patients alike. This new clinic enhances our ability to deliver outstanding education and patient care and it reflects USask’s commitment to excellence, to serving the community, and to meeting the needs of the people of Saskatchewan.”
— Vince Bruni-Bossio, USask President and Vice-Chancellor
“Through this investment, the Government of Saskatchewan is committed to ensuring students of dentistry and oral health have the best opportunities to learn and build rewarding careers in our province. This state-of-the-art clinic will provide invaluable experience to the future dental professionals of Saskatchewan, and produce high-calibre, job-ready graduates to meet the needs of our growing province.”
— The Honourable Ken Cheveldayoff, Minister of Advanced Education
“With these leading-edge facilities and technologies, I am proud to say we have the most advanced infrastructure in Canada, and maybe in North America,” said Siqueira. “This investment ensures our graduating dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, and dental assistants are trained using the same advanced technology used in today’s dental practices.”
— Dr. Walter Siqueira (DDS, PhD), Dean of the College of Dentistry