photo collage of donated machine and Dr. Perez Dr. Balut
By Cara McCool - April 16, 2024

          Loma Linda University School of Dentistry emphasizes serving the community and building relationships with other universities. Recently, the School had the opportunity to upgrade 3D printers in the Orthodontics department. However, the old machines were still in good condition and could be used by another institution.   

          With the help of Dr. Mauricio Gonzalez Balut, one of our newest faculty members in the Orthodontics Department, a school was identified that could benefit from the used equipment. Dr. Gonzalez Balut previously worked at the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Campus Mexicali School of Dentistry and knew they needed 3D printers. He approached the Director of the UABC Mexicali School of Dentistry, Dr. Guillermo Perez Cortez, to discuss donating printers to their school. 

          After productive discussions with LLU School of Dentistry faculty members Leroy Leggitt, DDS, MS, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, and Toufic Jeiroudi, DDS, MS, Program Director, Advanced Dental Education Program in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dr. Cortez made the three-to-four-hour drive from his school in Mexico to Loma Linda University to collect the printers.   

          3D printers will give UABC students the opportunity to print models, retainers, or expanders for patients based off highly accurate scans in their clinic. Dr. Gonzalez Balut is happy he could be instrumental in outfitting another School of Dentistry program with much needed newer technology.  

Collaborations like this are essential for both universities and we look forward to continuing a relationship with UABC School of Dentistry.