New state-of-the-art clinic continues Dr. Edward Shils’ legacy of dental education and entrepreneurship
Henry Schein, Inc. announced that Stanley M. Bergman, the company’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, recently joined Shirley Shils, members of her family, and University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine officials for the ceremonial groundbreaking of the new Edward & Shirley Shils Clinic.
The new pre-doctoral dental clinic will include space for students to treat up to 60 patients at a time, and will feature state-of-the-art workspaces, digital technology, and a reception area for patients. Using cutting-edge equipment, students will learn the latest digital dentistry techniques in order to provide the highest level of care to community members. The Edward & Shirley Shils Clinic was made possible in part by a $2 million donation from Henry Schein, and is part of the $34 million Evans Building Centennial Renaissance project. The clinic is scheduled to be operational by August and completed by January 2017.
The clinic is named for the late Dr. Edward Shils and his wife, Shirley, in recognition of their commitment to education and dentistry. Dr. Shils served as a professor and Chair of the Management Department at the Wharton School of the University Pennsylvania, earning six degrees – including three advanced degrees – from the school. He served as the Executive Director of the Dental Manufacturers of America and the Dental Dealers of America for almost 50 years, and he was instrumental in establishing the Wharton Entrepreneurial Centre, the first institute dedicated to the academic study of entrepreneurialism.
“Ed and Shirley have meant so much to Henry Schein, and I am pleased to know that Penn Dental students will hone their skills, forge friendships, and continue Ed’s legacy in a facility that bears the Shils name,” Mr. Bergman said. “This new clinic is a testament to Ed’s commitment to dental education and provides the next generation of oral health professionals with the opportunity to do what Ed himself did so well: use their skill, their caring, and their energy to help others.”
Henry Schein and other key members of the dental industry were instrumental in the creation of the Dr. Edward D. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, which was founded by friends and colleagues of Dr. Shils in 2002. Through annual awards, the Fund honours people, organisations and programmes that positively influence the dental community and the public oral health arena. As with the Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, the clinic at Penn Dental is another demonstration of the company’s commitment to advancing oral health.
“The Edward & Shirley Shils Clinic will play a vital role in our clinical education and patient care,” said Denis Kinane, Dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. “Along with being a state-of-the-art environment, the Shils Clinic will increase our capacity for seeing more patients and improving their overall health – a benefit to the community we serve and our students’ learning experiences. We applaud the vision and generosity of all at Henry Schein, Inc. in helping to make this important new education venue possible.”
