VCU School of Dentistry News

School Breaks Ground on Satellite Clinic in Wise. Read the story from the 'Coalfield Progress' by staff writer Jodi Deal.

Posted on August 10, 2009

'Wise Idea': Dental clinic breaks ground

Jodi Deal
Staff Writer

WISE - Dr. Ron Hunt, dean of Virginia Commonwealth University's school of dentistry, has taken to calling a satellite dental clinic that will soon be built here "The Wise Idea."

The nickname is more than just a play on the name of the nearest town, Hunt told a crowd gathered Thursday at a site near the University of Virginia's College at Wise for a groundbreaking ceremony.

"We call it that in part because it's smart, and in part because the idea originated here in Wise," Hunt explained.

Four years ago, a group of local folks led by Lenowisco Health District Director Dr. Eleanor "Sue" Cantrell started pushing for a school of dentistry in Wise County, Hunt explained.

"They figured if Grundy could have a pharmacy school and a school of law, why couldn't Wise have a dental school?" Hunt recalled.

A feasibility study commissioned by the Virginia General Assembly in 2006 found in late 2007 that a full-blown dental school might be too large for Wise County to support. That's what got the ball rolling on what's now planned - a $5 million satellite clinic of the VCU school, which will house and train students in their final year of dental school while providing affordable services to local people.

But, Hunt acknowledged, local officials are hesitant to let the idea of a full-blown dental school die. There's still hope that the clinic, which will start small, could eventually grow into a school of its own, he said.

Thursday's groundbreaking was ceremonial - there's still planning work left to be done before crews can start building the clinic and student housing facility that will eventually sit on the former site of a trailer park near UVa-Wise. The land purchase had just been completed Wednesday, Hunt noted.

According to Hunt, architects, engineers and officials will work through the winter to finish plans and obtain permits. Actual construction should begin by April 2010, with the clinic opening by spring 2011.

Hunt noted that although the General Assembly set aside funds for planning, equipment and construction, VCU and its partners still seek public and private funds to pay its operating costs.

FITTING IN
William A. Thompson, principal architect from Thompson & Litton, explained to the crowd that the clinic and a dorm behind it will be designed to meet national standards for environmental friendliness.

This is the first time VCU has developed and owned a building outside of the Richmond metropolitan area, Thompson explained, so VCU officials are counting on designers to bring the VCU brand to another part of the state while making sure the new facility fits into the context of Southwest Virginia. The clinic also needs to be comfortable for patients and inspiring for the students and faculty, he noted.

Behind Thompson were colorful drawings of the building, showing lush vegetation and wood shingles. Thompson described the design as having an "arts and crafts" feel.

Current plans include a 7,580-square-foot building with the capacity for 19 patient rooms, with a separate housing facility made up of six two-bedroom apartments behind it. At first, it will have six patient rooms, with room to expand.

PART OF THE SOLUTION
State Del. Clarence "Bud" Phillips, who speakers at Thursday's event lauded as having been instrumental in the dental clinic effort, told the crowd that he and other Southwest Virginia legislators view the clinic as part of a bigger effort.

"Our goal overall is to provide opportunities for our citizens to have good, quality medical care, good, quality dental care and an overall better quality of life," Phillips said.

He noted that the services provided at the dental clinic will play a part in a blueprint for healthcare that a regional health authority plans to release in the next few weeks.

State Sen. Phillip Puckett pointed out that the dental clinic not only will provide affordable care, but also could help attract more dentists to practice in Southwest Virginia. Part of the reason behind the lack of dental care here is the trouble recruiting young dentists, he noted.

Sim Ewing, UVa-Wise's vice chancellor for finance and government relations, told the crowd that UVa-Wise is excited to partner with VCU.

The local college will help VCU oversee the construction project, will handle ongoing operation and maintenance once it's finished, and will let VCU students use UVa-Wise facilities.

Improving quality of life for residents here will only help Southwest Virginia enhance its economic development efforts, he noted.

For more information, contact:
Martha Bushong
(804) 828-9757

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