WesternU College of Dental Medicine honors longtime supporters Josephine Yeong and Dr. Kon Leung

Left to right: CDM Dean Elizabeth Andrews, DDS, MS, Josephine Yeong, and Kon Leung, DDS, cut the ribbon to the J & K Dental Simulation Center on Nov. 14, 2024. (Jeff Malet, WesternU)

Western University of Health Sciences' College of Dental Medicine named its recently updated and expanded dental simulation center in honor of longtime supporters Josephine Yeong and Kon Leung, DDS.

CDM held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in WesternU California's Health Education Center for the J & K Dental Simulation Center on Nov. 14, 2024.

"Josephine Yeong and Dr. Kon Leung, your contributions are about so much more than just a physical space. Through your support over the last 15 years, you have helped CDM transform the way we prepare future dental professionals," said CDM Dean Elizabeth Andrews, DDS, MS. "You have made it possible for CDM to create a place where students can practice, learn, and build confidence in a safe, innovative environment that mirrors the best way to impact the future of oral health care."

CDM added more than 2,000 square feet in expanding its simulation center and creating the Pre-Clinical Dispensary and Storage Space for dental equipment materials and supplies. The J & K Dental Simulation Center provides new work stations, each equipped with an A-dec simulator, a Kilgore manikin head, overhead light, bench top workspace, additional modern swing light for desk area, and doctor's stool.

"You are empowering us to equip students with the skills, reliance, and compassion needed to deliver the best patient care. This center, made possible by your kindness, is a testament to your belief in the power of education to create lasting change," Andrews said. "Your support will ripple out to countless patients, families and communities as our students take the knowledge they gain here into their careers. In essence, every life our graduates touch is a part of your legacy."

Josephine Yeong, Dr. Kon Leung and Dean Elizabeth Andrews share a laugh while enjoying sparkling cider at the J & K Dental Simulation Center ribbon cutting ceremony. (Jeff Malet, WesternU)

Leung and Yeong have also provided support for WesternU student scholarships, the WesternU We Care Dental Center in Rancho Mirage, and the J & K Virtual Reality Learning Center.

Dentistry requires not only learning theory, but also hands-on practice in order to really learn the skills needed to succeed, said Dr. Leung, who practices dentistry in Arcadia and also teaches at WesternU one day per week.

"That's why we try our best to provide more opportunities for students to practice. That's why we support We Care Dental, to provide more opportunities for students to have more hands-on experience," Leung said. "We also believe technology will be important to the future of every profession, including dentistry. We are willing to do whatever we can to support CDM, and we hope to see CDM become even more successful."

Yeong and Leung developed a deep bond and friendship with WesternU Founding President Philip Pumerantz, PhD, and his wife, Harriet. Yeong said Dr. Pumerantz was always thinking about his students, and he entrusted his own care to WesternU graduates.

"We want to carry on his vision to help WesternU to be more successful," Yeong said. "Whenever there are opportunities to help WesternU students, we are going to do that."

Through their annual scholarships, their mentorship of students and graduates, and their belief in what is important for our community, Josephine and Kon have demonstrated that giving to others is the best way to impact the future of oral health care and our community, Andrews said.

"To our honored donors, please know that this center stands as a tribute to you - a place where your dedication to education and community health will inspire and uplift for generations to come," she said. "Thank you once again for your generosity, vision, and partnership in this journey. Because of you, the future of dental education and patient care looks brighter than ever."

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