Healthcare
CU Anschutz – School of Dental Medicine Renovation
CU Anschutz chose Howell to convert the School of Nursing space into the new site for the School of Dental Medicine simulators. The existing conference rooms, classrooms, and open floor plan were removed. Once demolition was finished, eight dental simulation pods with a total of 42 dental seats were added to the area. Each pod contains several chairs arranged in a circle and is filled with vacuum and compressed air to simulate medicinal gasses.
The space features a centralized teacher area with tables and a unique audio-visual package. The AV system includes two flat screen TV displays and two demonstration cameras aimed at the teacher station. In addition, each student seat has an individual TV display for teacher-to-student broadcast capability. The system is designed so that each student can also broadcast to the instructor for one-on-one interaction. The finished space contains a dispensary and milling room where 3D printing processes will facilitate student practice on 3D printed teeth, which can then be scanned and student performance evaluated. Additional finish items include millwork cabinets, sinks, and hallway lockers.
Howell’s scope also included a new air compressor and vacuum pumps. These were installed on the second floor of the occupied building on a structural steel platform spanning existing duct work. All work on this platform was completed after hours to minimize impact and to accommodate active classroom schedules. The project required high levels of coordination with the CU Facilities team to coordinate utility shutdowns and tie ins.