The University of Pikeville’s Tanner College of Dental Medicine was recently selected as the recipient of the 2024 Center for Research and Education Technology Innovation Center Award. TCDM is the seventh school recipient chosen for the IC Award.

The award, according to a statement from UPike, will support the establishment of a hub for innovation and advancement in dental education that will house the latest in dental technology and materials to prepare students for modern-day dental practice.

CRET, according to the statement, was founded in 2004 by a group of innovative dental industry leaders to ensure that each dental school has the latest in equipment and products and that dental students and faculty have access to this technology for treating patients while in dental school.

CRET’s mission is to develop a technology educational program for dental students, residents and faculty to provide knowledge and competency in 21st century technology, the statement said.

Dean of TCDM, Jill Keaton, DMD, MS, is eager to partner with CRET, the statement said, and stated that UPike seeks to play a role in identifying strategies to address barriers to care and provide much-needed dental services to the most vulnerable populations.

“The University of Pikeville is excited to partner with the Center for Research and Education in Technology to establish a CRET Innovation Center at the Tanner College of Dental Medicine,” said Keaton. “This initiative will enhance the overall outreach of the university while providing dental students with access to the latest technological innovations in the oral healthcare field.”

“I would like to congratulate the Tanner College of Dental Medicine for being the newest recipient awarded a CRET Innovation Center,” said CEO and Chair of the CRET Executive Board Debora Bridges. “Having a IC will provide the students first-hand experience with innovative dental products-merchandise and equipment and expose them to what it is like to be a part of a practice upon graduation. Fundamentals of patient scheduling, materials management, and dental equipment functioning are incorporated into the teachings of the IC.”

The design of the CRET IC will have a private practice atmosphere where dental students will treat patients using the newest technology from more than 30 CRET member companies, the statement said.