Donors help U of T Dentistry build student spaces that energize

Feb 17, 2022

In the Faculty of Dentistry auditorium, tables and chairs face front. Lights shine from behind bright, wood panelled walls. — *The Faculty of Dentistry’s newly renovated auditorium. Photo by Jeff Comber*

At the Faculty of Dentistry, renovations are making strides toward enhancing the student experience and continuing to modernize the Faculty’s building.

“We wanted to make a difference to student spaces, so we started with the cafeteria and upgrades of third-floor seminar rooms,” says assistant dean of administration Mary Choi. “Since then, we have done the wet labs and the library and now, the Auditorium. Our next focus is on Lab 4 and Clinic 2 – those are big projects that we can’t wait to get underway.”

The faculty’s recently completed Auditorium renovation is a beautiful example of how spaces make a difference to students.

“The Auditorium is our one and only space in the building that is truly multifunctional,” says Choi. “We use it for large classes, exams, events and a variety of student-related activities.”

The previous space was dated and required upgrades. “We wanted the Auditorium to be more inviting, where students want to spend more time,” she says. “A warm and comfortable atmosphere can have an impact on people’s moods – we hope this space will create a more positive energy for everyone who uses it.”

Sound, lighting and “nerf ball microphones” improved the Dentistry Auditorium

A warm and comfortable atmosphere can have an impact on people’s moods – we hope this space will create a more positive energy for everyone who uses it.

Choi knew when the renovations started, they had to be done quickly because the highly-utilized space couldn’t be out of use for too long.

“The pandemic actually worked out well in this one instance,” says Choi. “Because of the COVID-19 restrictions, we were able to do the construction with little disruption to scheduling.”

Choi notes the previous space needed new walls, ceilings, floors and lighting. The furniture was also very heavy and hard to move – not ideal for a multifunctional space.

James Fiege, director of Information & Instructional Technology Services (IITS), says one of the main changes to the new Auditorium is the AV system.

“The original AV system was really old and there were often issues with audio in the room,” he says. “We wanted something reliable and flexible for multiuse cases and to provide good sound quality. Now the sound is so clear and consistent all around the room, no matter where you are sitting or standing. This is especially important for those with impaired hearing.”

The renovation also included a standardized teaching station with a user-friendly Crestron control system and a high-end projector. The Faculty often has guest lecturers so it’s important to have simplified technology to avoid any issues in starting a presentation.

Additional upgrades include new microphones which Fiege says are like nerf balls – you simply toss it to the next person with a question during a lecture or presentation. This new future-proofed space will allow for innovation in how it’s used.

A warm and comfortable atmosphere can have an impact on people’s moods – we hope this space will create a more positive energy for everyone who uses it.

Give today to help the Faculty of Dentistry re-energize student spaces

If you’d like support the Faculty of Dentistry’s ongoing renovations to help enhance the student experience, please donate now. For major donations, please contact the Director of Advancement at selina.esteves@dentistry.utoronto.ca.

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By Rachel Boutet