|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
University Dental Clinic dedicated on SPC campus
By KATHY FERGUSON
Article published on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2005 |
 |
![[Image]](/content_images/102605_smb-03.jpg) |
| Dignitaries cut the ceremonial ribbon at the University of Florida College of Dentistry Dental Clinic. |
|
SEMINOLE – Official ceremonial orange and blue ribbons were formally cut Oct. 21 at the dedication of a new dental clinic on St. Petersburg College’s Seminole campus. The dedication was for the $4 million University of Florida College of Dentistry Dental Clinic at the University Partnership Center.
Dental services already started in September at the 14,000-square-foot, two-story clinic that replaced the college’s St. Petersburg downtown facility. However, at the dedication, Teresa Dolan, dean of the UF College of Dentistry, said, “The college will continue to serve the residents of south Pinellas County through the Johnny Ruth Clarke Medical Center.”
In Seminole, UF trustee Cynthia O’Connell accepted the building from University Partnership Center associate vice president Lars Hafner.
“We look forward to all the good work you will do for the citizens of Pinellas County,” said O’Connell.
The clinic features 17 operatories and classrooms equipped with videoconferencing technology to accommodate on-site lectures and distance learning. Educational programs offered by dentistry will include expanded advanced education in general dentistry and continuing education for other area dentists.
Having a larger facility will more than double the college’s overall patient care capacity from 7,000 to eventually as many as 20,000 annually.
“Now, we will be able to provide low cost, high quality dental service to more in Pinellas County,” said Dolan.
She also noted that having the clinic on-site would help UF expand its partnership with the local dental hygiene program.
The clinic will offer a one-year advanced clinical residency program to 10 residents who have already earned their doctor of dentistry degree. Residents will provide all phases of dentistry to include advanced prosthetics, dental implants, endodontics, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry and periodontics.
Also an early morning emergency clinic is opened on a first-come, first-served basis. Ongoing lower costs comprehensive patient care is also offered. Those interested can visit the clinic and ask for an appointment.
The funding for this project’s building and equipment was made possible through a compilation of community support. For instance, monies received include two federal appropriations totaling $2 million by St. Petersburg College, a pledge to UF of $500,000 by Pinellas County Services, and a recent Congressional Special Project allocation of $465,000. The city of Seminole added $100,000 to sweeten the deal, and the sale of the former dental clinic in St. Petersburg netted about $600,000.
“We feel proud to be able to help,” said Seminole Mayor Dottie Reeder. “This is a benefit for residents in our city who may not be able to afford dental services, and throughout the county.”
Speakers at the clinic’s dedication included U.S. Rep. C.W. “Bill” Young, St. Petersburg College President Carl Kuttler, Pinellas County Commissioner Karen Williams Seel and University Partnership Center Associate Vice President Lars Hafner.
Reeder added, “Clearly the college is a star in the county, and it is a major star in the city of Seminole.”
The dental clinic is located next to the college’s pharmacy college. Call the dental clinic at 394-6064.
|
Article published on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2005
Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Tampa Bay Newspapers
9911 Seminole Blvd.
Seminole, FL 33772
(727) 397-5563
Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
|
|
