Donation Enhances Education For UNLV Dental Students
by Brandi Segura

Nobel Biocare, a leader in innovative restorative and esthetic dental solutions, recently donated implant products to UNLV’s School of Dental Medicine. The products will teach students the science of implant dentistry during preclinical studies and patient care.

Implantology is currently taught in the second year of the students’ program, but as a result of the donation from Nobel Biocare, it can now be integrated during first year science courses. Students will learn the mechanics of implantology using simulation lab models, and they will evaluate whether a patient is a suitable candidate for implants. If so, they will assist with the placement and restoration of the implant.

‘This will put our students ahead of many graduates who do not receive this extensive training in pre-doctoral course work,” says Dr. Georgia Dounis, associate professor of clinical studies.

Faculty and staff stressed that this industry support is important because it provides students with one of the most innovative curriculums in the nation. Corporate partners, such as Nobel Biocare, provide the opportunity to keep UNLV at the forefront of dentistry. Faculty can also continue to teach state-of-the-art techniques using the education and training provided by these corporate partners.  

“We are proud to be a part of the worldwide effort by Nobel Biocare to integrate implant dentistry and esthetic dentistry into the curriculum of dental schools. Without their generous donation of goods and services, we would not be able to provide this opportunity for our students,” says Dr. Karen West, dean of the School of Dental Medicine.