Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine celebrated the opening of its state-of-the-art student wet laboratory with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 19. The new facility promises to enhance the dental student experience by providing an advanced, hands-on learning environment designed to foster skill development, expand knowledge in dental laboratory technology and learn about innovations in prosthodontics.
Sixty-four percent larger than its predecessor, the lab is equipped with the latest dental lab equipment, including integrated knee control electric handpiece units and suction units at each of its workstations, as well as monomer extraction units. It also features several high-end model trimmers, vibrating tables and an array of other advanced lab devices such as electronic vacuum mixers, MiniSTAR thermoforming units, a sandblaster machine, air chisels and more. The lab’s area dedicated to model fabrication and trimming doubled in size, allowing for the installation of a center island workstation.
“We are so pleased to open this lab for our students to help them hone their laboratory skills, develop their appreciation for the fundamentals of prosthodontics, and create customized prostheses for patients,” said Patrick Lloyd, dean of the School of Dental Medicine. “The lab’s development will only enhance the student journey here at Stony Brook, and we are thankful to those who helped bring it to life.”
Doing the honors in cutting the ribbon was Patricia Swanson, DDS, clinical associate professor in the Department of Prosthodontics and Digital Technology, who coordinated the project’s design. She and Dean Lloyd were joined at the ribbon-cutting ceremony by William Wertheim, MD, executive vice president of Stony Brook Medicine; Michael Murray, director of design in Stony Brook University’s Department of Campus Planning, Design and Construction; project manager Laura Pellizzi; as well as partners at the university and dentistry responsible for the lab’s creation. These partners included representatives from Benco Dental Supplies who worked closely with Nevin Laboratories in the restoration of the lab and the installation of the equipment.
“I’m honored to have been involved in the redesign of our student wet lab,” Swanson said. “Not only is the physical space larger than before but it was reimagined in a way that greatly improves the workflow and experience of those utilizing the space. The state-of-the-art machinery and improved health and safety controls included in the room design make the space ideal for student instruction. I believe the students will be inspired by the beauty and functionality of the space when fabricating customized prostheses for our patients.”
The lab’s opening comes just months after the SDM unveiled its new prosthodontics residency laboratory, which was created so that residents can learn, experiment and master how to best use the newest innovations in prosthodontics. Recent renovations also include a revamped café for students, residents, staff and faculty.
