University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) has opened a dentistry school and clinic, which is part of the institution’s $80 million investment in giving back to the city of Detroit. The wireless facility is one of the largest dental schools and clinics in the country.
The school, which is located on the New Corktown Campus, is more than 261,000 square feet and features a high-tech simulation lab with 100 stations; 190 patient operatories; and dedicated areas for pediatric, endodontic, and orthodontic dentistry. The cost for dental care is approximately half the price of private dentistry.
"At UDM, it is crucial that we aspire to develop graduates who lead and serve in their community, and exciting new projects such as this will allow us to continue to prepare future dental professionals for our community," said Gerard L. Stockhausen, SJ, president of UDM.
The UDM School of Dentistry is one of two in the state of Michigan. The school’s location was selected based on a variety of factors, including demographic trends, current patient data, and financial information, as well as opportunities to expand student enrollment and increase dental services within the community.
"The city of Detroit is excited and supportive of the University of Detroit Mercy’s decision to enhance and expand its presence in downtown Detroit and the McNichols Campus," said Kwame Kilpatrick, the mayor of Detroit. "The educational programs and services offered on the University of Detroit Mercy’s campuses will draw individuals from the greater Detroit metro area to this location and continue the great pace of downtown development."