A brush with the future
By Scott Anderson
Rooshan Akram (above, centre), a student in the International Dentist Advanced Placement Program, prepares a tooth for restoration on a replica of a human mouth at one of 125 high-tech stations in the Faculty of Dentistry’s new simulation lab.
When the facility fully opens this fall, first- and second-year dentistry students will log more than 600 hours here, mastering essential skills such as root canals, crowns, implants and digital radiography, says Dr. James Posluns, assistant professor and director of clinical affairs. In third and fourth year, the students will transition to treating real patients.
Unlike the old simulation lab, where students often had to crowd around instructors to watch demonstrations, the new space allows teachers to stream video directly to each workstation, enhancing learning.
The upgrade is dramatic: state-of-the-art tools replace aging equipment and wooden cabinetry dating back to the 1960s. Designed to mirror modern dental clinics, the lab will help students adapt seamlessly to professional practice. “Having the exact same setup means one less thing to relearn,” Posluns notes.
Beyond the technology, the space itself is a welcome change. “The main reason for this overhaul was to improve learning,” says Posluns, “but students have already commented on how much more inviting it is. It’s a great place to learn and connect.”
Photo by Laura Proctor
The students pictured above are using the appropriate level of safety gear for this lab.