News

Lto r: Dalhousie Dentistry dean Dr. Ben Davis, Dr. Amin Shivji and Jeff Leger from 123Dentist, and Dr. Charanpal Ahluwalia and his family          (Photos by Danny Abriel)

New students arriving at Dalhousie University’s Dentistry Building have always glimpsed their future through its doors. Until recently, that future looked rather dull and dimly lit.

All that changed on March 27, 2026, when the Faculty of Dentistry unveiled its newly renovated lobby to a crowd of supporters, university personnel, and Faculty of Dentistry students, staff, and faculty.

"The entrance lobby is the face of our Faculty of Dentistry," says Dr. Ben Davis, dean of the Faculty of Dentistry. The lobby had not been updated since the 1980s, however, and its brown and orange interior was dated. The access ramp did not meet accessibility standards, and the doors and lighting needed an upgrade.

A space befitting modern oral healthcare
The face the lobby presented also did not match the rest of the clinic, which was extensively renovated in 2018 to modernize its facilities, add new operating suites, and upgraded equipment.

"This lobby is the front door to one of Canada’s most important dental schools, and it now looks the part," said Dal alum Jeff Leger (BScPh’95), CEO of 123Dentist. "At 123Dentist, we believe oral health is a gateway to overall health, and that dental professionals deserve recognition for the integral care they provide to Canadians. Spaces like this one help tell that story."

Speaking about the impact of the renovated lobby on students, Faculty of Dentistry Student Society vice-president Katherine Culligan told the audience, "As students, we spend a lot of time in this building. Early mornings, long clinic days, the occasional stressful afternoon before an exam. The spaces we are in day in and day out have a real impact on how we feel, how we connect with each other, and how we show up for our patients. So, a lobby that's welcoming, warm, and accessible isn't a small thing, it's something we notice and appreciate every single day."

Dr. Charanpal Ahluwalia and Katherine Culligan

Timeline for transformation
Planning for the lobby’s new look started seven years ago, but the pandemic delayed the process. Renovation finally began on August 16, 2025, and was completed on January 31, 2026. After five months of construction, the lobby area is more modern, well-lit, warmer, and more welcoming.

New automatic doors and an updated ramp have improved accessibility for all dental clinic patients, many of whom are elderly and have limited mobility. Modern seating and tables provide comfortable waiting and study spaces for patients and students. Fillings Café has also been renovated and will open for business in September.

Grateful to donors
The renovation was completed with the help of two partners, alum Dr. Charanpal Ahluwalia (DDS’07), and 123Dentist. A plaque bearing both their names was unveiled at the opening event. “They worked with us to make our vision a reality,” says Davis.

"I am grateful to the Dalhousie Faculty of Dentistry for helping me to achieve my life goals both professionally and personally," says Dr. Ahluwalia. "123Dentist has also been instrumental in my success and I am proud to have worked with both parties to complete this important project."

He said he hoped his efforts "inspire and motivate alumni to give back to the Faculty in any capacity that makes them feel good about doing so".