Upon concluding her tour of the Department of Surgery's Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and General Dentistry's new comprehensive surgery and dentistry office at University of Miami Hospital, Annabelle Sanchez, a clinical therapist in the hospital's psychiatric department, had much the same enthusiastic reaction as others who attended the October 20 open house.

"It's so beautiful and convenient, plus we have the best doctors, so I'll be coming here for all my dental needs,'' Sanchez said. "I was going all the way to Kendall, and that takes way too much time. Now I can just come downstairs, so I'm really excited.''

Providing dental implants, oral surgical procedures and general dentistry, including cleanings, crowns, root canals, fillings and cosmetic procedures, to UM employees such as Sanchez is a goal of the new Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry office located in the UMH lobby, across from the cashier's window. It's also easily accessible to other Miami Health District and downtown Miami workers.

"We're thrilled to be right on campus, and offering all our services to the UM community and beyond,'' said Jennifer Burrell, the division administrator. "There was a real need here, and we're just a train ride away from the Government Center.''

Dean Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D. -- who cut the ribbon to the new office with Alan S. Livingstone, M.D., the Lucille and DeWitt Daughtry Professor and Chairman of Surgery, and Michael Peleg, D.M.D., assistant professor of clinical surgery, who will serve as the office's principal surgeon -- was as impressed as Sanchez with the new digs.

"The Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry office is modern, welcoming and state of the art,'' Dean Goldschmidt said. "It's just one more benefit of working at the Miller School and one more outstanding service UHealth is bringing to our community.''

Officially opening for business on November 1, the 2,100-square-foot suite is equipped with a floor-to-ceiling X-ray machine capable of taking panoramic, two- and three-dimensional mouth views. Each of its five treatment rooms, including a surgical suite, also has its own X-ray machine as well as a flat-screen TV where patients can instantly view images of cavities -- or watch their favorite shows.

The office team of maxillofacial surgeons, restorative dentists, dental hygienists and assistants also will provide the kind of reconstructive surgery of the jaw, facial bones and dental implant surgeries for which the division is renowned worldwide.

The new office accepts Delta, Cigna HMO, Delta PPO and MetLife PPO. For an appointment or more information, call 305-689-6725.