Sitting in the chair at the dentist's office, patients find various ways to occupy their minds, including mentally drawing designs in the ceiling and seeing how long they can stare at the lights without blinking. But at the College of Dentistry, one of the perks of sitting in the chair is getting to watch television.
A television above the dentist chair is one of the many new additions to the College of Dentistry, thanks to the Nebraska Unicameral's Legislative Bill 605 from 2006. Because of this bill, the college received $8.4 million from the state. The renovations improved safety, comfort and efficiency and updated the college's 1967 look to a more modern feel.
On Sept. 10, the newly-updated College of Dentistry opened its doors to the public at its open house. Tours were given of the renovated areas by dental students who also explained the various programs that the college offered.
"In many areas, the work is not noticeable, because all the improvements were installed in the ceiling," said Dr. John Reinhardt, the dean of the college.
These improvements included heating and cooling duct work and updated controls, thermostats and emergency announcement and sprinkler systems.
The lower level, which is mainly classrooms, labs and offices, received ceiling renovations. The upper level, which contains the various clinics and work areas, received a aesthetic face lift.
The various areas that were improved included the advanced clinical practice, priority care, south clinic, north clinic, radiology, dental hygiene, pediatrics and surgical specialties. The lobby, waiting and reception areas and patient services were also redesigned.
Construction is ongoing in one area: orthodontics. The clinical support lab, a soundproof room where dentistry students can go to work on prosthodontics including dentures, is one of the unfinished part of the orthodontics area.
Modern style wasn't the only improvement to the clinics. An elevator was added in the new entrance and handicap-accessible restrooms were added in the waiting area.
"These renovations make it a more welcome environment," said Abbey Krienke, one of the tour guides and a senior at the college.
With money donated by alumni and friends, the college was also able to update much of its equipment. New X-ray machines were placed in most of the cubicles in the surgical specialties area so the dentists will not have to go back and forth between the X-ray room and the chairs.
Televisions were also added to the pediatrics and hygiene areas of the building.
"Teenagers still like to come back to the pediatrics so they can watch ESPN while they get their teeth fixed," said Sarah Glatt, a dentistry senior at the college and tour guide for the event.
The College of Dentistry is known as the "beacon on Holdrege Street," Glatt said. Now it can truly live up to its name.
franniesprouls@dailynebraskan.com
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