A groundbreaking ceremony was held to kick off construction on a new simulation laboratory project for the College of Dentistry. The updated space will create a modern clinical training environment for students and support continuing education programs. Once complete, this will be one of the largest high fidelity simulation clinics with dental chairs in the United States.
The project began with an enabling phase that relocates Building Services, Finance, IT and Continuing Education offices to newly renovated space within Postle A. The relocation will clear the existing area for the development of the new simulation laboratory while consolidating two previously separate spaces, once divided by a public corridor, into one 17,920-square-foot learning environment.
Construction began April 1, 2026. The office renovation phase is expected to be complete by the end of July 2026, with the simulation laboratory scheduled for completion in mid-2027.
The new space will feature 125 full-size dental chairs equipped with manikins to provide students with a high-fidelity clinical training experience. Each station will be supported by half-height walls containing compressed air, vacuum, power and data infrastructure.
Advanced audiovisual technology will be integrated throughout the laboratory to support instruction, demonstrations and assessments while aligning with Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) standards for contemporary dental education environments. The simulation experience also integrates virtual patients and records using the EPIC electric Medial Record System.
The facility also will include three enclosed operatories which will feature observation capabilities, with integrated camera systems and designated viewing areas allowing instructors to monitor student activities and provide feedback.
A glass-enclosed teaching station will serve as a central instructional area, enabling faculty to demonstrate procedures and share audiovisual content directly with student operatories. The laboratory also will include an area with 18 computer workstations to support instruction in advanced digital dental technologies.
The completed simulation laboratory will enhance the College of Dentistry’s educational spaces by creating a flexible, technology-rich environment that supports hands-on learning and future clinical training needs.