The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine is proud to announce the establishment of a new Orthodontics Digital Dentistry Lab. The development of this modern, educational and patient care resource is made possible through the generosity of Pitt Dental Medicine Alumnus, Dr. Timothy Tremont (DMD 1978) in honor of his father, Dr. Charles F. Tremont, Sr. (DDS 1947), also a Pitt Dental Medicine Alumnus.
The new Orthodontics Digital Dentistry Lab will help to further propel Pitt Dental Medicine to the forefront of dental education and advance the School’s vision to increase digital dentistry education and clinical procedures. “This modern space will be a key resource for orthodontic resident and dental student education and provide them with opportunities to build their clinical skills in orthodontics, while furnishing them with a dedicated patient support area for in-house fabrication of orthodontics appliances, such as retainers, aligners, soldered appliances, and splints,” said Wellington Rody, DDS, MS, Pitt Dental Medicine Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Orthodontics. The new lab space is expected to be completed by the end of January 2025.
“The Tremont family’s thoughtful and generous donation exemplifies the true spirit of being a proud, lifelong member of the Pitt Dental Medicine community,” said Marnie Oakley, DMD, Dean of Pitt Dental Medicine. “Their contribution reflects the profound impact that their experiences at Pitt Dental Medicine have had on both their identities as professionals, and as selfless human beings. By giving back to the school, they are not only honoring their own legacy but also demonstrating an unwavering commitment to advancing our profession. Their support will enhance the educational experience and enrich the lives of our students, faculty, staff, and patients for years to come.”
Dr. Rody said, “the addition of a modern digital orthodontics lab will be empowering for our residents and students and support them with innovative technology that enhances patient care.” The new space will include two computer stations equipped with orthodontic computer-aided design (CAD) software as well as two digital light processing (DLP) 3D-printers. “Using equipment such as these in an education setting increases our resident and student success as they begin their careers,” adds Dr. Rody.
Charles Tremont, DDS, was a US Navy veteran who practiced dentistry for more than 66 years in Versailles, Pa. He and his wife of 78 years, Helen, raised four children before he retired to Hilton Head, SC, at the age of 89. During retirement he volunteered at local dental clinics to craft dentures for those in need and spent time pursuing his passion for reading. He passed away on November 23, 2022, at the age of 98.
Timothy Tremont, DMD, MS, is a professor and head of orthodontics in the Department of Advanced Specialty Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina, a position he has held since 2017. Previously, he served on the faculty at West Virginia University School of Dentistry in the orthodontic residency program from 2000-2017. From 1980 to 2017, he maintained a private practice in orthodontics in White Oak, Pa.
In 2024, Dr. Tremont was elected to the board of directors of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) and represents the Southern Association of Orthodontists (SAO). He will serve as president of the ABO from 2031-2032. Dr. Tremont is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and a member of the College of Diplomates of the ABO. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association and the International and American Associations of Dental Research (IADR/AADR).
Dr. Tremont shared, “My dad was a very proud graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. He was so grateful for the education he received at Pitt and never lost his passion for dentistry throughout his long life. Dad would be pleased to know this contribution in his memory to the Orthodontic Department will greatly enhance patient care and the educational experience of the residents.”
To find out more about how to support the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, please contact Brooke Capolupo at BBR14@pitt.edu.