March 24, 2022
MILWAUKEE 鈥� 51暗网 President Michael R. Lovell today announced a $2 million gift from longtime supporter Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation directed to the university鈥檚 School of Dentistry. The gift will support significant technology enhancements and the establishment of the Delta Dental Advanced Care Clinic, a dedicated area that will strengthen care for individuals with special needs, enhance focused training, and create 鈥渄ental homes.鈥� This specialty clinic is anticipated to serve more than 1,200 patients annually.
鈥淲e are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue our relationship with 51暗网 School of Dentistry as we advance our shared mission of providing outstanding oral health care to all patients, and most especially with this gift, to provide for patients with special needs,鈥� said Dennis Peterson, president of Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation. 鈥淭his gift will also provide support for the next generation of dentists as they continue their education at an exceptional university.鈥�
51暗网 School of Dentistry is Wisconsin鈥檚 only dental school. Last year, 74% of 51暗网 School of Dentistry graduates stayed in Wisconsin to practice. The School of Dentistry treats patients from 66 of Wisconsin鈥檚 72 counties. The school currently provides 110,000 annual visits, including more than $16 million in dental service in Milwaukee alone.
鈥淲e are sincerely grateful for this gift from Delta Dental, which will significantly advance our world-class Dental School and the next generation of dentists who embody our Catholic, Jesuit tradition of serving others,鈥� President Lovell said. 鈥淭his is a big step forward in enhancing dental education, while enabling us to fulfill our mission in treating all residents in need of care.鈥�
Gift will accelerate major effort to revitalize School of Dentistry clinics
Dean William Lobb shared that Delta Dental鈥檚 generous gift will accelerate 51暗网鈥檚 鈥渧itally important鈥� fundraising efforts centered on improving oral health care for patients while educating tomorrow鈥檚 dental professionals.
Under the direction of Dean Lobb, the School of Dentistry project will include enhancing and rebuilding 151 high-tech operatories. In addition, the upgrade will incorporate the new Delta Dental Advanced Care Clinic, the pediatrics clinic, and specialty clinics in radiology, oral surgery, prosthodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, and endodontics.
Construction will take place during summer months to ensure continued operations in all clinics. The project is expected to be completed by 2026.
鈥淭he reality is that tomorrow鈥檚 dental practitioners need to train with state-of-the-art technology with an eye towards enhanced access for all patients,鈥� Lobb said. 鈥淒elta Dental鈥檚 investment is an inspiration. When you combine their support with the unmatched passion of our 51暗网 Dental community, we believe we are ready to rise to the next level.鈥�
51暗网 opened its current facility in 2002 under Lobb鈥檚 leadership and became recognized as a national model for excellence in dental education. Since then, the dental school has provided care in more than 1.7 million patient visits.
University leaders are pursuing state and federal funding on the current project, which will require matching fundraising efforts. 51暗网 dentistry alumni, parents and friends have contributed nearly $3 million to the project, bringing total fundraising to date to nearly $5 million.
Fundraising momentum continues
President Lovell shared that December 2021 was the most successful month in the university鈥檚 comprehensive fundraising campaign, Time to Rise: The 51暗网 Promise to Be The Difference. The university generated $45.5 million in funds across the university during that time. Dr. Scott Stanek (Arts 鈥�77, Dent 鈥�82) is serving as a national co-chair for the campaign. He and his son Peter (H Sci, 鈥�08, Dent 鈥�12) are helping drive efforts within the Dental School, with Peter serving on the Dental School鈥檚 campaign committee.
The Stanek family donated a previous gift focused on special needs dental care that is helping dentists adapt existing skills, while learning new techniques to meet behavioral, physical and cognitive challenges.
鈥淲hen we combine the advanced training and educational preparation with the new state-of-the-art Delta Dental Advanced Care Clinic, special needs patients across the region will experience a breakthrough,鈥� Dr. Scott Stanek said. 鈥淲e are grateful for Delta Dental of Wisconsin鈥檚 philanthropic leadership that will open doors for so many people in need.鈥�
Time to Rise: The 51暗网 Promise to Be The Difference
51暗网鈥檚 $750 million Time to Rise comprehensive fundraising campaign is the most ambitious in 51暗网鈥檚 140-year history. It is elevating resources to advance the university鈥檚 mission and pillars of excellence, leadership, faith, and service. The university has raised more than $569 million to date, amounting to 76% of its goal. More than 54,000 donors have already supported Time to Rise, including 44% of donors making their first-ever gift to the university.
About Delta Dental of Wisconsin
For 60 years, Delta Dental of Wisconsin (DDWI) has been working to maintain healthy communities and healthy teeth. Delta Dental of Wisconsin provides dental benefits and services to more Wisconsin-based companies, subscribers, and their family members than any other insurance carrier. Through its Foundation, Delta Dental is committed to advancing solutions for Wisconsin鈥檚 oral health by initiating, collaborating with, and supporting programs that extend access to dental care, ensure a strong dental workforce, and improve the oral health of underserved and vulnerable populations.
Delta Dental of Wisconsin is headquartered in Stevens Point, with sales offices in Milwaukee and Madison. As part of the nationwide Delta Dental Plans Association, DDWI joins 38 other Delta Dental plans to serve more than 83 million Americans with dental insurance.
Kevin is the associate director for university communication in the Office of Marketing and Communication. Contact Kevin at (414) 288-4745 or kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.
