The West Virginia University School of Dentistry has begun a $15 million fundraising campaign to modernize its facilities.
"In order to stay competitive with other dental schools — but even more importantly, to provide a true quality education, and equally important, provide state-of-the-art patient care — we really have no choice but to renovate, modernize and become much more efficient," said Anthony Borgia, DDS, the dental school dean. "We cannot be treating the patients in 2020 with 1957 technologies."
The dental school has already begun preliminary renovations to administrative offices and storage lockers used by dental students. The final plans include renovations to the urgent care clinic and patient reception areas.
WVU School of Dentistry plans to install two cone beam computed tomography imaging devices in the updated facility. The urgent care clinic has treated 8,807 patients over the past five years without the updated technology.
As more funds come through, the university will continue renovating. In 2020, university officials hope to raise $1.5 million. Through 2023, they hope to raise another $9 million-plus.