Bulletin of Dental Education Article

Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine (WU CDM) recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new multidisciplinary clinic that provides improved access for community members in need of specialty services while broadening hands-on learning opportunities for students.

The ceremony marked a defining moment for WU CDM as it celebrated the opening of the Center for Advanced Oral Diagnosis and Therapeutics. The center represents the college’s commitment to advancing patient care, innovation, education and discovery.

By bringing together expertise in oral medicine, diagnosis, therapeutics and interdisciplinary care, WU CDM is creating an environment where complex conditions can be identified earlier, treated more effectively and studied more deeply.

The center will serve as a catalyst for clinical research, exceptional clinical care and the education of future oral health care leaders, reinforcing the school’s mission to improve health and transform lives through excellence in dentistry. The focus on advanced oral diagnosis is especially important because early detection and specialized expertise play a critical role in improving patient outcomes and advancing the future of oral health care. 

“The opening of the Center for Advanced Oral Diagnosis and Therapeutics reflects our vision for the future of dental medicine, one where innovation, collaboration, and compassionate care come together to advance oral health.” said Elizabeth Andrews, D.D.S., M.S., WU CDM Dean. “This center will not only enhance our ability to diagnose and treat complex conditions but will train the next generation of oral health care providers and inspire educators and researchers who are dedicated to improving the lives of patients and the communities we serve.”

The addition of the multidisciplinary specialty clinic allows the increased utilization of the current clinical space on the third floor, providing more educational experiences for dental students and, most importantly, improved patient care opportunities.

“Our facility features modern, state-of-the-art technology designed to enhance both care and learning,” said Brent Fung, D.D.S., WU CDM Associate Dean of Clinic Operations and Educational Development. “With advanced lighting, specialized microscopes, integrated imaging displays and an automated sterilization center, we’ve created an environment that supports precision, efficiency and education.”

WU CDM would also like to extend their deepest gratitude to The Ahmanson Foundation for its generous support of the new specialty clinic at the college. The foundation’s commitment to advancing health care education and improving access to high-quality care has made a profound and lasting impact on the dental school and the communities it serves. WU CDM thanks the foundation for its vision, generosity and support. The school is honored to recognize The Ahmanson Foundation as a vital partner in this important endeavor.

The participation of industry-leading partners was also instrumental in the successful development and functionality of the new specialty clinic at WU CDM. Each partner contributed critical expertise, advanced technology and high-quality equipment that collectively elevated the clinical environment, supported educational excellence and enhanced patient care. The school thanks the following partners for their support to help achieve their goal: A-dec, Enova Illumination, Henry Schein, HuFriedyGroup, Bien-Air, DentalEZ and NSK.

Courtesy of Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine