Idaho State University begins construction of Delta Dental Residency Clinic at Meridian Health Science Center

A new dental clinic that will serve low-income patients in the Treasure Valley and provide advanced training for licensed dentists is scheduled to open in August 2011 at the Idaho State University-Meridian Health Science Center, thanks to a $500,000 gift from Delta Dental Community Outreach and funding from the 2010 Idaho Legislature.

"The opportunity to partner with ISU and its Advanced Dental Residency program is a natural fit for Delta Dental," said Jean De Luca, president and chief executive officer of Delta Dental of Idaho.

She presented ISU President Arthur C. Vailas with a $300,000 check Jan. 27—the first installment of the Delta Dental gift.

 "As a nonprofit with 40 years in this community, we are deeply committed to improving access to oral health for Idahoans and helping educate the next generation of Idaho dentists," she said.

"On behalf of ISU and the dental residency program, I thank you," Vailas said. "This new clinic will further our mission to improve oral health care for all Idahoans—particularly for uninsured and underserved adults and children."

Construction of the $1.5 million clinic, designed by Hummel Architects of Boise, began Jan. 24.  The 5,200-square-foot facility will have 12 clinical treatment rooms, an X-ray and sterilization lab, faculty offices, a waiting room and reception area.  

In addition to the Delta Dental gift, the 2010 Idaho Legislature awarded ISU $1 million for clinic construction.

In 2005, ISU expanded its advanced dental residency program to the Treasure Valley, admitting four licensed dentists each year to complete an intense 12-month training program in advanced dentistry techniques and procedures.

ISU’s current facility—ISU Family Dentistry—located at 2033 E. Summersweet Drive in east Boise will close when the new clinic opens.

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