The University of Nebraska Board of Regents Saturday approved the purchase of new simulation lab equipment and dental chairs at the UNMC College of Dentistry for $2.5 million.
“This will enhance our clinical and pre-clinical education,” said College of Dentistry Dean John W. Reinhardt, D.D.S. “Our students already are skilled, but, with the simulation equipment, they will be that much more advanced before they see their first patient.”
The College of Dentistry is planning to convert one of its patient treatment clinics into a dual-function patient and simulation clinic. Private funding has been obtained to provide the 47-chair clinic with dental simulation heads and computer monitors for electronic instruction. Renovations will take place this summer or next summer.
“Simulation clinics are becoming common in dental education,” Dr. Reinhardt said, “as they provide students with life-like treatment experiences prior to their first live patient experience.”
Many of the country’s top dental schools have simulation clinics, he said, including the University of Iowa, University of North Carolina, University of Washington and University of Texas.
In addition, simulation clinics are used for hands-on continuing dental education courses for practicing dentists, he said.
The simulated patient head, comprised of plastic teeth and soft cheeks, would fit into the dental chair, similar to that of a live patient. Depending on the model, students could hone a variety of skills including restoring crowns, filling cavities, removing tartar, and mimicking extractions.
Although the College of Dentistry has crude forms of simulation equipment, “this will take it to a higher level,” Dr. Reinhardt said.
In addition to the simulation equipment, the board also approved replacing all 173 operatory chairs, as well as some cabinetry, lights and delivery systems in the College of Dentistry teaching clinics.
Funding for the $2.5 million project will come from a new student fee specifically designated for equipment replacement, as well as a major private gift. The Board of Regents approved the fee in April 2003. As a result, Dr. Reinhardt said, the college will be able to purchase the equipment through a lease program and repay the loan over a period of nine years.
Dr. Reinhardt said he compared the tuition and student fees of competing dental schools and UNMC was still well within the range and usually below what others charge.
“Many of the existing dental chairs were installed with the construction of the College of Dentistry building in 1967,” Dr. Reinhardt said. “By purchasing new chairs we will eliminate much of the chair maintenance that has been disruptive to our clinic functions.”
Some of the chairs were originally purchased as used equipment, he said, and all of the chairs are in need of replacement parts that are becoming harder to obtain.
“The project will benefit our students, our faculty, and ultimately, our patients,” Dr. Reinhardt said.