The University of Kentucky Orthodontic Program is one of the country’s strongest orthodontic graduate and certificate programs, with long-serving, diversely educated faculty, a high faculty/student ratio, and award-winning research.
Despite the program’s strengths, many applicants choose to attend other schools because of the clinic where they will be learning. The Orthodontic Graduate Clinic, which hasn’t been renovated since the 1960s, is clearly out of date. It was designed at a time when most patients were children, but today, residents see just as many adults. The number of residents has also increased from six to nine, and teaching methods have evolved to encourage greater collaboration among residents in the clinic. Right now, the clinic is the only obstacle preventing the program from achieving full excellence in orthodontic education.
Bringing the Orthodontic Graduate Clinic into the 21st century is a key priority for the UK College of Dentistry. A renovated space will not only enhance the program's ability to recruit top students with a more visually appealing environment and the latest equipment—it will also improve resident instruction. The new layout will support updated teaching methods, including peer mentorship and real-world training for third-year residents through the use of a second “on-deck” patient chair.
A modernized clinic will help the UK Orthodontic Program reach new levels of excellence, with high-quality residents, a state-of-the-art facility, a rich curriculum, and top-tier faculty.
Are you interested in learning more about supporting the renovation of the Orthodontic Graduate Clinic? Review current Naming Opportunities for the new Orthodontics Graduate Clinic.
Dr. John Turner and his wife, Kate, believe the time for renovation is now. Dr. Turner attributes his success as an orthodontist to the training he received at the UK College of Dentistry. It’s important to him and his wife to give back to the program that gave them the life they enjoy today.
When John Turner discusses his degree in orthodontics, he displays pride and gratitude for what UK has made possible.
“I am so proud of this program,” he says. “Of all the stops on my educational journey, UK is at the top of the list. I am adamant that it’s one of the best programs in the country.”
However, since arriving on UK’s campus to begin his orthodontics program years ago, Turner has been concerned UK will lose promising students to other school due to the state of its Orthodontic Graduate Clinic. That’s why Turner has agreed to chair the Orthodontic Graduate Fundraising Committee, which is encouraging UK graduates to make gifts toward much-needed renovations. In fact, Turner and his wife, Kate, made one of the first major gifts to the campaign.
“There is no chance that we would be where we are today without UK Ortho,” Turner states. “We both believe that with opportunity comes responsibility. Making this commitment was one of the easiest decisions that we made.”
Make your gift online now using your credit card. Choose from either a one-time gift or make a pledge and select a payment schedule. You will have the option to note a fund designation for your gift on the online gift form should you desire.
Make a gift online today.
Since its inception, the core values and integrity of this graduate program have been in keeping with the success and quality of its graduates. To assure this standard of excellence continues, a clinical facility consistent with 21st century patient care is imperative.