Advanced simulation lab reflects Dr. Bird’s passion for innovation
For 22 years, William Bird, DDS, DPH, was a teacher, friend and mentor to many at UCSF, making an indelible impact on the School of Dentistry. On Jan. 29, 2015, Dr. Bird, who passed away from cancer in 2012, was honored in a moving ceremony dedicating a new training lab in his name.
The lab is a new state-of-the-art simulation facility that will be used by third- and fourth-year dental students to hone their skills. The new space provides an enhanced preclinical learning environment that features 10 A-Dec stationary simulators, including LED lighting, enhanced ergonomic tools and cutting-edge simulators.
“This is a most appropriate way for us to remember Dr. Bird,” says Fritz Finzen, DDS, a longtime colleague and friend of Dr. Bird’s. “He enjoyed overseeing physical plant projects that kept UCSF modern and technologically advanced. He was an innovator and wanted students to work with the best equipment, which essentially is what this lab is all about.”
The new lab came to fruition through the generosity of those whose lives were touched by Dr. Bird, including community members, alumni, faculty and staff. The renovated lab resides on the third floor of the UCSF Dental Center at 707 Parnassus Ave.
Dr. Bird retired in 2011 after 22 years at the UCSF School of Dentistry, including several years as Interim Chair of the Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences and as Chair of the Department of Dental Public Health and Hygiene. He was also instrumental in the creation of the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Program.
“Dr. Bird was a most dedicated faculty member and very skilled administrator,” adds Dr. Finzen. “He put in tremendously long hours and made himself accessible to students, faculty and staff. He was my mentor.”
Dr. Bird’s efforts were also praised by Dean Featherstone. “I worked with Dr. Bird for almost 17 years and grew to appreciate his knowledge, skills and incredible humanitarian ethics,” says the Dean. “The dedication of this lab will allow us to always remember him and the contributions he made to dentistry and to society.”
Says Doni Bird, Dr. Bird’s widow and a donor toward the memorial: “Bill would be so humbled and pleased by this honor. And knowing that it was his colleagues at UCSF who recognized his efforts in developing this lab makes it that much more special.”
Pictured
Dean John D.B. Featherstone (left rear) with Doni Bird and members of Dr. Bird's extended family at UCSF Faculty Alumni House