Grasso Preclinical Dental Lab to
There is, of course, a world of difference between a dental student practicing the finer points of her or his craft in a lab or classroom and the unavoidable pressure of treating actual patients for the first time. That challenging transition will soon be made easier for UConn dental students as the School of Dental Medicine finalizes plans for the Joseph E. Grasso Preclinical Dental Laboratory.
When completed, the Grasso Lab will provide a learning environment in which to train the next generation of dentists using the very latest equipment and technologies. And, to help students learn the delicate intricacies of a variety of dental procedures, the new facility and updated laboratory will offer the most realistic clinical simulation experience possible.
“Our students and faculty are considered among the best in the nation and they deserve a state-of-the art facility that will make teaching and learning as effective, relevant and enjoyable as possible,” says Dr. Monty MacNeil, dean of the School of Dental Medicine.
“The Grasso Lab will be that type of facility," he says. "It will blend the best aspects of personal hands-on faculty instruction with enhanced patient simulation and technology-assisted learning. I think anyone who has been through dental school will immediately see this facility as a great step forward and a tremendous benefit to our students.”
Named for Dr. Joseph E. Grasso, professor emeritus and a founding faculty member of the School of Dental Medicine, the integrated simulation lab will feature 48 student workstations complete with technique benches, mobile simulators, dental lights and monitors. Ergonomically designed lab stations will serve as students’ personal dental operatories equipped with simulated patients, overhead lights, delivery systems and suction. The lab will also greatly enhance the quality of instruction by providing students with real-time feedback via smart boards, digital video and overhead camera technology, as well as an instructor simulator with real-time intra-oral cameras.
“I am honored to be associated with this exciting new laboratory facility, which will be our legacy to future generations of students,” says Grasso. “During more than 35 years at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, I have come to appreciate the tremendous value of using cutting-edge technology to prepare our students to be leaders in our field.”
A true pioneer in his own right, Dr. Grasso was instrumental in establishing the Department of Prosthodontics at UConn and was one of the first faculty members to teach in the preclinical laboratory. He is widely published and has lectured internationally on the subject of removable prosthodontics. He has also been the recipient of numerous awards and distinctions, including the Kaiser Permanente Award for Outstanding Clinical Teacher.
The School of Dental Medicine is investing half of the approximately $1 million needed to complete the project; the remaining $500,000 is being raised by the UConn Foundation through private gifts. There are a variety of giving and naming opportunities available to donors, ranging from a $10,000 gift, for which a recognition plaque may be placed on one of the 48 individual workstations, to a $50,000 opportunity to name the instructor workstation. Corporate supporters and all individual donors over $5,000 will be recognized on a donor plaque in the new laboratory. The fundraising campaign is off to a terrific start, with gifts coming in from alumni, faculty and friends of the School of Dental Medicine.
“This is a fitting way to honor a colleague and friend who has given so much to our school over the years,” notes MacNeil. “Joe’s approach to teaching has always been to place the student first and to try to improve on the teaching method. This facility will do both and will provide our students with an experience that will better prepare them to deliver high quality dental care to their patients. We are extremely grateful to those who have contributed to this commendable project and hope that others will consider supporting the Joseph E. Grasso Preclinical Dental Laboratory.”
