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Dental student Gary Lehn, aka “Ortho Man,” visits with a child undergoing treatment in the newly renovated pediatric dental clinic during Children’s Dental Day earlier this year at the UNMC College of Dentistry. The picture on the wall was created by College of Dentistry alumnus, Dr. Jane Bennett, and was added as part of the clinic’s renovation. |
Private donations made through the University of Nebraska Foundation enabled the college’s pre-doctoral pediatric dentistry program to purchase 10 flat-screen televisions for patient viewing and four pieces of original art for areas of the clinic.
Scott Hamilton, D.D.S., director of the pre-doctoral pediatric dentistry program, said the gifts have created a more comfortable environment for both the patients and employees.
“Adding the monitors and the artwork to the clinic was a terrific finishing touch,” Dr. Hamilton said. “We get more of the ‘wow’ factor now from our patients and their families.”
Before the renovations and the gifts, Dr. Hamilton said the open clinic was in great need of renovation.
“The clinic first opened in 1968 and had never been updated or remodeled,” he said. “After years of use, it was time for everything to be redone.”
Dr. Hamilton said the 20-inch ceiling mounted TV screens are a hit among the young patients, who can now watch their favorite shows while getting dental work done.
“They help kids get through a difficult dentist visit and are terrific for helping kids who have some anxiety about visiting the dentist,” he said.
The high definition video system was a gift from Dr. Tom Barth, a pediatric dentist, and Sandy Barth, a dental hygienist, who are both graduates of the College of Dentistry and live in Manhattan, Kan.
Their gift honors Tom Barth’s mother, Alma Barth, of Fairbury, who has fostered a lifelong devotion to the university and inspired her son to pursue a career in pediatric dentistry.
“I remember when my mom told me, ‘You know, as much as you like children you should be a children’s dentist,’ ” Dr. Barth said. “What she said always stuck with me.”
While many alumni generously contributed to the clinic with financial donations, others offered their talents. Dr. Jane Bennett, an alumnus of the College of Dentistry and the post-graduate pediatric dentistry program, also is an artist who created four unique, colorful aquatic-themed works of art for the clinic. Her colored pencil drawings depict a fish, frog, duck and turtle.
The cost of framing the art and other related expenses was provided by the Emily L. Anderson Memorial Fund at the University of Nebraska Foundation. The fund was established by Anderson’s family after her death in 2003.
Vicki Millard, one of Anderson’s daughters, said her mother was a dental assistant in the pediatric dentistry department for more than 30 years.
“She loved working there and especially loved the students and the kids,” Millard said. “I know my mother would be pleased with the beautiful artwork and with the overall renovations.”