Dentists’ Gratitude Lands in Room 230D
Governor Patrick Quinn speaks to members of the College of Dentistry community at the dedication of its newly renovated, state-of-the-science classroom that alumni Drs. Bennett and Hurdle, with their wives, made possible with a generous gift.	(From left) Dr. William Bennett and wife Diane with Patricia and her husband Dr. Robert B. Hurdle, made a significant donation to remodel a College of Dentistry classroom into a state-of-the-science lecture space.

When Drs. Robert Hurdle and William Bennett were UIC dentistry students in the 60's and 70's, they probably wouldn't have reacted to the classrooms in which their lectures were held with curiosity and intrigue. But that's exactly how Phil Gurgone, class of 2013, describes his feeling upon seeing the impressive upgrades to room 230D that Drs. Hurdle and Bennett made possible.

"Procedures are now demonstrated on screen in the classroom, in better detail than we could see watching live, and I can give my full attention to the instructor and download the lesson later for note taking," says Gurgone, first-year dental student and president of the class of 2013. "Having the learning environment we train in evolve hand-in-hand with the industry will provide UIC College of Dentistry graduates with a competitive advantage."

Dr. Hurdle, a founder of Grove Dental Associates, decided with his wife Patricia to make a $50,000 gift to the College. His Grove Dental colleague, Dr. Bennett, and his wife Diane, agreed to match it. Their gift turned 230D into a state-of-the-science classroom, outfitted with a visual presenter, instructor LCD monitor and classroom projector, which allows faculty to display high-definition images. In addition, the funds purchased new seating, carpeting, window treatments and fresh paint. The Hurdles and Bennetts gave back to the College out of gratitude for what their outstanding dental education has allowed them to achieve.

"All dentists have great hand-eye coordination and dexterity, but our education teaches us how to truly use these talents to the fullest of our abilities," says Dr. Hurdle. "This gift thanks those who taught us and helps provide that same quality education to today's students." Dr. Bennett agrees, saying, "My UIC experiences have been valuable throughout my career and our group practice has benefitted tremendously from the UIC dental graduates who became our associates and owners."

While much dental education today is provided in clinics, what is still offered in traditional classrooms like 230D is crucial to students gaining the finest education the College can provide. And, according to Nancy Norman, instructional technologist for the College, research shows visual-based instruction produces superior learning outcomes as compared to conventional methods. And that's exactly what this new technology provides. "Our dental students can now see demonstrations of dental procedures recorded by an expert while faculty can target important details with a laser pointer," says Norman. "Students can see the anatomy of a jaw bone or incisor in much better resolution than if they saw it with the naked eye."

"Our vision statement calls for us to be recognized as a world leader with educational programs based upon advanced technology," says Bruce Graham, Dean of the College of Dentistry. "The Hurdle and Bennett gift allows us to provide the finest education, allowing our students to become the New Dentists for America."

Learn more about the College of Dentistry or make a gift now.