The University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif., started construction last month on its integrated medical-dental center.
The university is expanding its Sacramento campus with a center to provide training for students to become dentists, physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists, occupational therapists, nutritionists, social workers and other healthcare providers. Students will also learn how providers can work together to better serve patients, according to a June 11 news release.
In addition to classrooms and a simulation clinic, the facility will have 10 medical exam rooms, 30 dental operatories and dedicated rooms for people with disabilities.
The university said the center will serve approximately 20,000 medical patients and 10,000 dental patients each year.
The first-of-its-kind project was launched by a $4 million donation from Stephen Thorne, CEO of Irvine, Calif.-based DSO Pacific Dental Services, and his wife, Pamela Thorne. It is also supported by funds from the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation and Kenneth Fat, DDS, of Sacramento.
Construction is scheduled to be completed by summer 2024.