Fall 2006

Medical University of South
Carolina College of Dental
Medicine Simulation Laboratory

In January 2006 the faculty and students of the College of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina began working in the new Simulation Laboratory. It is a state of the art teaching facility equipped with fifty-eight work stations. The lab is equipped with audiovisual equipment that allows faculty to provide instruction in an efficient and effective setting. Each work station is equipped with a computer monitor and a work bench equipped with lighting, suction, handpieces and a wide work space for laboratory exercises. Each station also has a manikin that provides a realistic simulation of a patient for intraoral procedures. The manikins permit use of the high speed handpiece with water spray.

Students will train in this area for the first two years of their education before entering the clinic. This training will better prepare students for direct patient care and a faster adjustment to the intraoral procedures on their patients. Third and fourth year students will be able to prepare for their state board exams before the actual board is administered.

College of Dental Medicine Dean Dr. John J. Sanders put forth a relentless effort in getting this completed for the college. His efforts were supported and made possible by a generous gift from a former graduate, Dr. Harold Z. Hirsch, who is now a Birmingham, Alabama periodontist. Dr. Hirsch is the father of former Sigma Chi Chapter President
Jennifer Hirsch Doobrow. Jennifer is now a senior student with plans to enter a Graduate Periodontics Program.

The laboratory is named the Aisic and Riva Hirsch Simulation Laboratory. Dr. Hirsch made his gift in honor of Aisic and Riva Hirsch, his parents, both of whom are Holocaust survivors. Dr. Hirsch recognized the extraordinary lives and the sacrifices that they had made for his education. Dr. Hirsch said it is his greatest honor to dedicate the lab to his parents.

Jennifer Hirsch-Doobrow, senior dental student
and immediate past president of Sigma Chi,
stands by the plaque in the Sim Lab
which is dedicated to her grandparents.

Students enjoy their pre-clinical work in an
environment that prepares them for the
clinical phase of their education.

Dr. Monica Cayouette, Psi Omega alumnus
and Associate Professor, instructs dental
students in the new Simulation Laboratory.

Psi Omega Fraternity
1040 Savannah Highway
Charleston, SC 29407

Telephone: (843) 556-0573
Fax: (843) 556-6311
E-mail: psiomega@bellsouth.net