The School of Dental Medicine at Case Western Reserve University marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of its $2.6 Million newly renovated Simulation Clinic, a cutting-edge facility designed to elevate dental education and better prepare students for the demands of modern clinical practice.
The state-of-the-art Simulation clinic—now equipped with the latest in dental technology, equipment and instruments, including a $350,000 in-kind donation of the Bien-Air Optima MX2 electric motor systems—promises to enhance the learning experience for students by providing them with the most realistic patient simulation to develop clinical skills in restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, pediatric dentistry and implant dentistry to prepare students for successful transition into delivering patient care in the School's Dental Clinics. The renovation is part of the school’s ongoing commitment to staying at the forefront of dental education, ensuring that students are well-equipped for the realities of dental practice.
During the grand opening, students were introduced to brand new dental handpieces provided by Bien-Air, a Swiss manufacturer renowned for its precision dental instruments. Faculty members as well as Bien-Air and A-dec representatives guided students through hands-on sessions with the handpieces, A-dec dental patient simulators and Kilgore dental manikins and typodonts, emphasizing the highly realistic patient simulation experience and functionality of the equipment in performing restorative dental procedures. This experience provided students with an invaluable opportunity to become familiar with the equipment that will enhance and strengthen their clinical skills and shape their future careers.
Among the new class of dental students, the response to the renovated Simulation Clinic was overwhelmingly positive. Ananta Datta, a first-year student, expressed excitement about the opportunity to train with Swiss-made instruments. He also appreciated the school’s focus on ergonomics when selecting equipment for the clinic.
"I believe this will help students build good habits early on,” Datta explained, emphasizing the importance of proper posture and technique in the long-term health of dental professionals.
Following the morning’s training sessions, the celebration continued with a luncheon, where students, faculty and staff gathered to commemorate the opening. Dean Kenneth Chance delivered remarks, underscoring the significance of the renovated clinic in shaping the next generation of dental professionals. He expressed deep gratitude to everyone involved in bringing the project to fruition, reaffirming the school’s dedication to excellence in dental education.
“The Case Western Reserve state-of-the-art Simulation Clinic puts the School of Dental Medicine at the vanguard of dental education,” said Vice Dean Dale Baur, who echoed the dean’s sentiments and highlighted the clinic’s role in keeping the institution at the forefront of the field.
The excitement among faculty and staff was palpable, further energizing the students as they looked ahead to their future studies in the Simulation Clinic.
First-year DMD student Aisling Halliden shared her enthusiasm, stating, “To see the faculty and staff so thrilled about the new clinic makes it all the more exciting for us as students because we really are experiencing the future of dental medicine.”
The grand opening of the Simulation Clinic marks the beginning of a new chapter for the School of Dental Medicine—one that promises to provide students with all of the latest dental equipment and technology resources they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving field. As the institution continues to invest in cutting-edge facilities and technology, it solidifies its reputation as a leader in dental education, dedicated to preparing students for the future of dentistry.