Page 31 - Dentistry Magazine 2022

Development and Alumni 31
DONATIONS MAKE ORAL SURGERY RENOVATION POSSIBLE
The School of Dentistry celebrated a newly-renovated Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery clinic on June 22, inviting donors and alumni to see their impact first-hand.
Opened in 1977, the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery clinic provides care for thousands of patients, including those with complex medical problems, and serves as an educational facility for students and residents.
Funding for the renovation came from individual donors, local practices and the Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation, whose mission is to improve oral and overall health outcomes in Minnesota, while advancing health and social equities. Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation awarded a grant of more than $700,000, which supported the renovation of six surgical suites, seven procedure rooms, two patient consult rooms and a conference room.
“This new renovation has upgraded so many aspects of our clinic, including advances in patient care and comfort,” Director of Advanced Training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Clinic Robert Nadeau, DDS, MD, reflected. “This work will support our students and residents in
their education, our faculty in their research and our patients in understanding the professional nature of the care they receive.”
Bruce Templeton, DMD, member of the Board of Directors at the Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation, reflected on the decision to invest in this clinic.
“I’m a firm believer in the connection between oral and overall health,” he said, “and this clinic does that well. Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation is proud to be a lead sponsor on this project, which will keep us working on complex medical problems and providing excellent care for our community.”
The renovated Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic will increase access to care by up to 20% for underserved populations, allowing for a greater number of complex cases and continuing the School of Dentistry’s commitment to providing excellent care to all communities.