Memphis, Tenn. (Sept. 5, 2013) – The College of Dentistry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) opens a new state-of-the-art endodontics clinic in the Winfield C. Dunn Building at 875 Union Ave., on Friday, Sept. 6. The Dentsply Tulsa Endodontics Graduate Clinic, located on the north side of the fifth floor of the dental building, is named in honor of major contributor Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, which gave $300,000 to support the educational mission of teaching future endodontists at UTHSC.
The clinic embodies a total digital operatory with custom endodontic carts, digital radiography, and endodontic practice management software designed to simulate the contemporary endodontic practice. Each of the six operatories is outfitted with a Zeiss microscope with high-definition cameras connected to 42-inch plasma screens. Residents, dental students and even patients will be able to see the procedures being performed under the microscope on the screen. Video feeds from each microscope to a nearby conference room will let instructors also view what is being done on a large projector screen.
The clinic is a major step for the Advanced Specialty Education Program in Endodontics at the College of Dentistry. The program received initial accreditation in 2011. Prior to that, UT dental graduates received their specialty endodontic training out of state, and then returned to practice in Tennessee. Now, residents can receive their training here and help patients locally. Fashioned from the Greek endo “inside” and odont “tooth,” endodontics is the dental specialty focusing on the study and treatment of the dental pulp, commonly referred to as root canal treatment. Endodontists perform root canals, endodontic surgery, treat cracked teeth, and care for other dental trauma.
“I am thrilled we have been able to partner with Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, a company that has always been a strong supporter of our specialty and advocate for higher education,” said Adam Lloyd, BDS, MS, associate professor and chair of the Department of Endodontics. “The graduate residents and patients really benefit from this investment by being able to provide excellent and compassionate care in a state-of-the-art facility. It really is a gem that rounds out all the specialties at the College of Dentistry.”
A major mission of the program is to provide patients better alternatives to tooth extraction and attract new patients who want to save their teeth, but cannot afford private practice fees. Appointments can be scheduled at the clinic by calling (901) 448-1546.
A ribbon-cutting is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. Friday, and an open house for local dentists will follow.