UI College of Dentistry breaks ground on building renovations

The gloomy weather didn't stop the cheerful groundbreaking ceremony for the University of Iowa College of Dentistry building transformation project.

A $60 million project to adapt and expand facilities that will both construct a new three-story clinic addition, renovate clinical areas, and modernize research areas is set to be completed in the summer of 2015, but the celebration began Friday afternoon as officials dug the “ceremonial dirt” inside the Galagan Auditorium filled with around 150 people.

The campaign conducted by The University of Iowa Foundation, with a current working goal of $10 million to be raised through private support, will ensure a great program for the university and the entire state of Iowa, officials said.

“Let me offer some simple words to all those who made this happen. Thank you, thank you, thank you,” said David Johnson, Dead of the UI College of Dentistry.

He noted that the investment in the future of the program would ensure students were able to work with the latest technology in the field in a state-of-the-art facility.

A key feature highlighted in the plan of the new addition will be the Center for Excellence in Clinical Education that Johnsen said represents the school's core mission of advancing oral health care through research and great patient.

Scott Anderson, President of the Iowa American Student Dental Association, said he came to the school because it's great people, facilities, and reputation.

“On behalf of all students, Thank you,” he said. “I can't wait to see what it looks like when it's done.”