Embracing digital technologies

Donor support enables dentistry students to access to the latest technologies in the industry.

The next generation of dentistry students graduating from Dalhousie’s Faculty of Dentistry will be better equipped to embrace the digital technologies reshaping their industry, thanks to a $50,000 gift from Dalhousie graduate Kirk Preston (DDS’95).

The Faculty of Dentistry is investing in innovative equipment to transform teaching and learning in its pre-clinical labs and clinics. The faculty aims to raise approximately $600,000 through its Digital Dentistry campaign to purchase a 3D milling unit and 14 intraoral scanners with associated software.

Dr. Kirk Preston (right) with Faculty of Dentistry Dean, Dr. Ben Davis, in the Dal Dentistry Clinic. (Submitted photo) Editor's note: This photo was taken in late 2019. 

Dr. Preston says the strength of the clinical experience at Dalhousie was a drawcard for him as a student and remains vitally important for students today. He believes Dalhousie is taking the right steps to equip students, describing digital dentistry as the “next big thing for the profession."

“The Faculty of Dentistry has put a lot of time and effort into researching and finding the right fit of technology for its students; I’m really pleased to be able to support this endeavour,” Dr. Preston says. “As a result of Dalhousie’s investments, students will be exposed to different technological platforms, discover which platforms work best for them and confidently enter the world of digital dentistry when they graduate.”

In addition to leading two prosthodontics practices in New Brunswick, Dr. Preston remains active in industry governance bodies and scholarly work, keeping current with best practices and the changing needs of patients and students alike. He says digital technologies will radically improve patient experiences by speeding up and simplifying clinical procedures, while also making information easier to share at every stage of a patient’s journey.

Bob Loney, who is helping to lead Dalhousie’s digital dentistry vision, says this latest act of support will augment existing investments in digital dentistry tools.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Dr. Preston for stepping up and supporting this very important initiative,” Dr. Loney says. “Gifts like this make a big difference to the experience of our students and, ultimately, to the experience of patients.”

Learn more: Visit the Digital Dentistry Campaign to find out how you can get involved. 

— Simon Couper