Pediatric dental patients can now go to the Dental Care Center at UConn Health’s Farmington campus for their care, enhancing both the patient and learning experience at the UConn School of Dental Medicine.

For the past six years, UConn Health’s Kane Street location in West Hartford has been home to the UConn School of Dental Medicine’s pediatric dentistry residency program. The pediatric dentistry program was previously based out of the Burgdorf health center in Hartford.

The pediatric clinic offers comprehensive dental services, from routine preventive to highly specialized dental care, for children from infancy through adolescence.

“This move marks an exciting new chapter for our department,” said Dr. Bina Katechia, interim chair of pediatric dentistry. “Being under one roof with all dental specialties enhances collaboration, enriches our residents’ and students’ learning, and ensures our young patients receive the highest standard of care.”

The move to Farmington allows the pediatric dentistry clinic to be in the same location as the other UConn dental programs—allowing for greater collaboration and communication across dental disciplines and a more comprehensive approach to integrated patient care.

“We are very excited to have pediatric dentistry back home in Farmington. This will enable us to advance the quality of care we provide, improve patient access, and enhance learning opportunities for our trainees,” said Dr. Steven Lepowsky, dean of the School of Dental Medicine.

Patients will benefit from the Dental Care Center’s cutting-edge facilities, increased access to hospital-based services such as general anesthesia at John Dempsey Hospital, and faster access to emergency care. Students and residents will also benefit from the new facilities and have greater access to resources and training opportunities. The location change will also bring better administrative efficiencies, including smoother referrals and better staff utilization.

“We are not only excited to bring our energy, laughter, and compassion, but also our commitment to excellence, dedication to patient comfort, innovation in treatment, and spirit of collaboration into UConn Health’s clinics, said Dr. Mariana De la Torre, first-year pediatric dentistry resident. “Together, we are ready to write this next chapter and continue elevating the level of care we provide for the children and amazing families we serve.”