Patients and students who come to the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry will encounter a modernized, aesthetically pleasing, comfortable environment thanks to $8.9 million in renovations.
The face-lift brings a breath of fresh air – literally, with the new ventilation system – to the 43-year-old building that sits on UNL’s east campus at 40th and Holdrege Streets in Lincoln.
Faculty, staff and students at the UNMC College of Dentistry will celebrate the completion of these renovations on Friday, Sept. 10 with an open house from 2 to 5 p.m.
Many of the renovations were funded by Legislative Bill 605 which was passed in 2006 by the Unicameral and signed into law by Gov. Dave Heineman. LB 605 allocated state funding for maintenance and improvement projects at the University of Nebraska and Nebraska’s state colleges. Alumni and friends of the college provided additional funding for new equipment and furnishings.
“The renovations have made our entire building more accessible, more comfortable, and more efficient for our students, faculty, staff, and patients,” said John Reinhardt, D.D.S., dean of the College of Dentistry. “These improvements positively impact everything we do, whether it is teaching, research or patient care. About half of dental education occurs in a clinical setting, and we have greatly improved the clinics. In addition, the upgrades should reduce heating and air conditioning costs and improve the environment of the entire building.”
Work on the LB 605 project at the UNMC College of Dentistry began in 2008. In addition to plumbing, electrical, and air handling upgrades an elevator was installed in the newly enclosed front entrance to make access easier for people with disabilities.
Dean Reinhardt added, “Our programs have always been first-class, but now our facility mirrors the quality of those programs and enhances our ability to become an even stronger asset for the University of Nebraska and the citizens of Nebraska."
Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.
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