A Flagship for Dental Education
A clinic renovation and addition unify patient care, student life, and research in a modern, light-filled environment.
Evans Building Main Clinic and Schattner Addition
Philadelphia, PA
Penn Dental Medicine (PDM), one of the nation’s oldest university-affiliated dental schools, has long set a standard for excellence in education and patient care. As demand for clinical services and modern learning environments grew, PDM set out to transform its facilities into a flagship destination that reflects its leadership in the field.
The existing clinic needed upgrades to enhance the patient experience, improve instructional capabilities, and foster stronger connections between students, faculty, and researchers. In addition, the school lacked dedicated student spaces and a welcoming patient waiting area.
The renovation modernized a 10,000 SF teaching clinic and related support spaces, while a new 3,200 SF, two-story addition introduced a much-needed student lounge and patient waiting area. The design strategically places these new elements to improve wayfinding and encourage informal interaction across academic and clinical disciplines. Enclosing a previously open arcade created a symbolic and physical connection between clinical and research areas—uniting the school’s core missions under one roof.
The new clinic layout supports 74 individual operatories designed for “four-handed dentistry,” a team-based instructional method. Transparent upper partitions and custom cabinetry preserve privacy while enabling faculty supervision and minimizing noise. Drawing inspiration from the original building, the renovation reinterprets historic elements such as ceiling forms and chandeliers to honor the space’s legacy. A high-performance curtain wall recreates the signature wall of windows, infusing the clinic with north-facing natural light.
Today, the revitalized facility delivers a best-in-class environment for teaching, learning, and patient care—strengthening Penn Dental Medicine’s identity as a global leader in dental education.
“The renovations to the Schattner Clinic and new Pavilion combine a strong community focus for faculty and students with state-of-the-art treatment for the patients they serve. EwingCole overcame many challenges and skillfully combined the required amenities for leading dental instruction and care within a century-old landmark.”
– Mark A. Kocent, AIA, AICP, University Architect, University of Pennsylvania
