The renovated pediatric clinic at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry was buzzing with patients, dental students and faculty during the recent annual Children’s Dental Day event.
“It’s a much nicer environment to work in,” says one student.
“Yeah, a lot nicer than the dark brown walls that use to be in here,” another responds.
The renovations have definitely made an impact, said Scott Hamilton, D.D.S., director of the pediatric dentistry section at the College of Dentistry.
There’s a welcoming feel to the room, which was transformed last year during renovations.
Out went the dark brown paneling and orange dental chairs. In their place, a softer palette of ocean blues and off whites.
Lower cubicle walls, more elbow room and brighter lights make providing care easier for the dentists, Dr. Hamilton said.
An underwater theme complete with “Finding Nemo” bibs and four brightly colored pencil drawings of fish, turtles, and ducks on the walls is a more inviting atmosphere for the patients.
“There’s a difference between walking into a room that’s very modern and walking into a clinic that looks older than you are,” Dr. Hamilton said.
The underwater theme came about when a designer suggested a wave pattern made out of plexi-glass along the tops of the cubicle walls to make each space a little more private, he said.
The theme just took off from there, Dr. Hamilton said.
Jane Bennett, D.D.S., a 2003 graduate of the college and quite artistic, agreed to do the pencil drawings and donate them to the college.
“I got the idea for my theme from the children’s book “Ten Little Lady Bugs,” Dr. Bennett said. “I love the bright colors used in the book.”
Dr. Bennett’s four 15×34 pencil drawings hang on various walls in the clinic. The vibrant colors and kid-friendly scenes are a welcome addition to the clinic.
Dr. Bennett said she is considering doing a few more drawings for the clinic at some point in the future, but for now she is busy with her own pediatric practice, that she opened in 2005 in Papillion, Neb.
“It’s very kind of her to do what she has done already,” Dr. Hamilton said. “She’s definitely gone above and beyond.”
Dr. Hamilton said he would also like to recognize the family of Emily Anderson, a former employee in the pediatric dental clinic, for donating the funds to frame the artwork.
“Their generous support is testimony to the dedication Emily had for the clinic,” Dr. Hamilton said.
INFO. BOX
Hours of operation:
1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday
8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesdays.
(These hours change April 30)
Services provided include:
Regular examinations, preventive care and cleanings
Restorative treatment
Root canals and other endodontic care
Routine and advanced periodontal care, including periodontal surgery
Routine oral surgery including extraction of wisdom teeth
Orthodontic treatment