FARMINGTON, Connecticut--The Center for Research and Education in Technology Evaluation has announced the creation of a model state-of-the-art dental innovation center that will bring services, technologies, equipment, and products to dental education.
The practice-oriented education and continuing education facility, to be housed at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, will be the first such center in the country developed through a partnership between the dental industry and a dental school.
The CRETE Innovation Center will be constructed to allow equipment and products to be easily changed as new technologies are developed and readied for evaluation in a practice setting. The facility will contain a reception area, and dental operatories for demonstrating new procedures, teaching novel technologies, and showcasing new products, to ensure that dental students have experience with next generation dentistry.
The operatories will be equipped to allow broadcasting to locations within the dental school as well as remote locations. The broadcasting of procedures in real time will help manufacturers accelerate their research and development process. By avoiding costly mistakes, manufacturers will be able to expedite the flow of products into dental practice.
A unique feature of the CRETE Innovation Center is that it will be administered by a board composed of representatives from the dental industry, the dental school faculty, and dental students. The board will have oversight of all operations and management.
This governance arrangement is designed to promote the introduction of the next generation equipment and products into dental schools and to facilitate their introduction into dental practice.
CRETE is actively seeking partners to assist in the creation of the innovation center by donating products, funding, or expertise through participation on the Planning Board.
To learn more and find out how to participate, contact Dr. Ed Rossomando at (860) 679-2622 or via e-mail at [email protected].
