A $7 million state-of-the-art clinical simulation and laboratory technology center opened at NYUCD in October. The new facility offers a bird’s-eye view into how tomorrow’s dental health professionals will learn.

Dr. Paul Chu, clinical assistant professor of general dentistry and management science, consults with students receiving instructions by way of a state-of-the-art audiovisual system.

Within this high-tech simulated environment, students learn clinical skills, perspective, and decision-making before they have actual patient contact. The facility is also designed to foster more innovative teaching because faculty are able to demonstrate techniques via monitors positioned at each student’s workstation. All workstations are equipped with mannequins and instructional capabilities based on a multimedia video network connecting all of the simulator stations to the instructor’s desk. As a result, students receive individualized instructions via slides, laser disk, the Internet, and DVDs.

“The efficient and effective practice of dentistry demands that students have constant and ready access to emerging knowledge and possess the highest level of technological proficiency,” said Dr. Francis V. Panno, associate dean for clinical affairs, who played a key role in the Center’s creation. “Our new simulation facility supports that objective by making technology a major tool in the creation of a strong learning environment.”

The Clinical Simulation Center offers students the opportunity to learn foundation skills, gain clinical ability, and practice decision making in a high-tech, simulated environment.

“The entire 11th floor is a modern, technologically-based teaching system,” added Daniel Kang, president of the Class of 2005. “Students are able to use their laptops, practice clinical skills, and listen to a lecture simultaneously, all in one location. It’s an exciting time to be a dental student.”