Newly opened Gwanak branch of SNU Dental Hospital located near the main gate
The Seoul National University Dental Hospital (SNUDH) opened its new branch on Gwanak campus on March 9. Previously the SNUDH had its only branch located north of the Han River in Jongno-gu. SNU Dental Hospital is a reputed healthcare facility members of the SNU community and the greater Korean community visit when seeking dental health care and maintenance.
The newly opened dental hospital is located in Seoul National University’s Gwanak campus in building 86. Next to the SNU Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, the hospital has three floors underground and five above ground. This modern installation is home to a total of six clinic departments: oral medicine, oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics, orthodontics, conservative dentistry, and prosthodontics.
The opening of the Gwanak branch of the SNU Dental Hospital is highly welcomed by individuals of Seoul National University. Previous to the installation of the new hospital, the most convenient option for SNU students and faculty to receive dental care would be the SNU Health Service Center’s dentistry department located on the third floor of the Student Center (Building 63). While the dentistry department would be sufficient for basic dental care services such as tooth extraction, scaling, or carious care, individuals requiring more complicated and extensive treatments would be required to search elsewhere.
In addition, administrators have stated that the newly opened Gwanak branch will collaborate with the SNU School of Dentistry to carry out various clinical trials and extensive research and education in order to take the lead in the development of new and more efficient technologies related to dental health care. JO Eun Bee (SNU School of Dentistry) expressed her views. “The opening of the Gwanak branch will bring greater education and research opportunities that will aid in the understanding of the rapidly evolving field that is dentistry. I look forward to experiencing these opportunities.”
Professor KIM Seong Kyun (head of the Gwanak branch of SNUDH) expressed his views of the dental hospital to serve its role in giving back to the community. He stated, “We will also fulfill our obligation as a public medical clinic to the underprivileged and disabled.”
A visit to the dentist may not be one individuals look forward to. But with a top-notch facility and ambitious energy, SNUDH is open and ready for the public. Also, in front of the hospital is a fenced grassy area where furry dogs from the veterinary hospital may be out exercising. What else could possibly be more welcoming?
Written by OH Jung Eun, SNU English Editor, josefinaoh@snu.ac.kr
Reviewed by Eli Park Sorensen, SNU Professor of Liberal Studies, eps7257@snu.ac.kr