Kahler Slater was instrumental in taking us through a process which helped build consensus for the project and the new curriculum among the faculty, staff, and the larger community. This process resulted in a building design that is not only beautiful and supported by all, but also functional and completely supportive of the new curriculum.

William K. Lobb
Dean
Marquette University School of Dentistry

Marquette University School of Dentistry

Integrating a transformed curriculum with a building designed for a new millenium

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

In designing the new Marquette University School of Dentistry building, the school’s leadership resolved to introduce a student- and patient-centric approach to teaching dentistry. This promise required a custom-designed building to support a revolutionized curriculum.

As their partner, Kahler Slater began by conducting interviews with dentists and former Marquette University School of Dentistry students. Visioning Workshops were held to refine in more precise terms exactly how ideal dental care could be delivered to patients, and therefore how dentistry would be taught to future dentists. The experience of learning dentistry would replicate the real-world experience of delivering it in a small, supportive clinic environment. The new curriculum would make full use of state-of-the-art learning technologies and allow students to develop ongoing relationships with patients – just as they would in a real-world setting.

Students and faculty worked together throughout the development of both the curriculum and building design to create an educational program that mirrors what students can expect to find in a professional group practice. This way, by the time the doors opened, the faculty knew how to teach and the students knew how to learn, taking full advantage of the new program.

In the years since the building opened and the new curriculum established, the perception of the Marquette School of Dentistry has also transformed. It is now embraced by alumni, students, prospective students and faculty as the source of world-class dental education that is laying the foundation for world-class dental care for future decades.

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Project Details

  • Size: 128,000 SF
  • Construction Cost: $20,000,000
  • Total Project Cost: $30,000,000
  • Completion Date: September 2002
Academic Health Sciences Experiences