We’ve heard from our administration and our students and have seen the unveiling of new renderings, but as we countdown to the fall of 2026 and the opening of the new Healthcare Delivery and Innovation building, we continue to hear more insights from those actively involved in the planning of the project and the development of our future dental professionals – the faculty.

Dr. Cynthia Petrie, Professor and Chair, Department of Restorative Clinical Sciences, looks forward to aspects of the project that won’t just move from the current facility, but start fresh in the building, including the digital design studio.

“As the practice of dentistry continues to rapidly evolve and incorporate many new technologies, it’s been a challenge to appropriately modify our curriculum and patient care in the existing facility. The new building will include a digital design studio and will offer the latest technologies, resources, and materials to allow for both the education of our students and excellent patient care particularly in restorative dentistry, crowns, implants, bridges and dentures,” says Petrie, “It will be a state-of-the-art facility which has been designed for enhanced patient care and with plans for future growth.”

Dr. Rebeca Weisleder, pictured left, Clinical Professor and Chair, Department of Endodontics, emphasized the impact the project will have on all facets of the profession, from care to education.

“The new building will bring multitude benefits to the community we serve, the city of Kansas City and the state of Missouri. This state-of-the-art facility will allow students, faculty, staff and most importantly, patients, which will experience new technology, new advanced dental procedures, and techniques to provide the best care to conserve their natural teeth,” she says, “The urgent care clinic will allow the opportunity to serve all patients in their time of need and promote better dental health throughout the public. It will bring new jobs, new opportunities to excel but mostly, an environment of education, service and collaboration between other specialties and the commonality of Kansas City.”

Dr. Becky Smith , pictured left, Clinical Professor and Team 1 Leader, discussed the aesthetics of the building offering a positive and practical change.

“I am excited about having windows!” she says,  “I know it sounds trivial, but they can improve our mental health and shade matching!  I am also excited about more security and food/retailers being so close.  Another feature I am looking forward to is that parking, will be closer and have a convenient patient drop-off area. The new building will help us be more efficient in the clinic and the design is very inviting for everyone. There are many aspects of the renderings I am excited about.  The design and openness will allow easy flow of people throughout the building.  We will have better security.  Even the little things, like having an awning, will provide protection from the weather, when you walk out the door or wait for a ride.”

Dr. Solon Kao, Vice Chair and Associate Professor, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Hospital Dentistry says he’s very excited about the move.

“The new Healthcare Delivery building will offer efficient delivery of the highest level of urgent dental care in one centralized location,” he says.

To view building renderings and get more details on other units in the building, click here.