1M Gift Supports New Opportunities in Special Care Dentistry
Dr. Al Warkentine ’65, a retired dentist, and his wife Dotty know well the challenges facing patients with disabilities, and they want to help. Together, they made a $1 million lead gift to the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry supporting the planned Multidisciplinary Advanced Care Clinics and Ambulatory Surgery Center. Slated to open on the San Francisco campus in late 2026, the facility will provide specialized care for individuals of all ages with disabilities or complex medical conditions.
“With heartfelt thanks, we recognize Al and Dotty for their exceptional $1 million gift. Their generosity is both inspiring and deeply impactful, and we are honored by their partnership in this effort,” says Eric Dumbleton, associate dean for advancement. “Their kindness and belief in this work will make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many for years to come.”
The 13,000-square-foot facility will feature four operating rooms, eight operatories, five mixed use medical/dental suites and a waiting area designed for patients with sensory processing disorders and other conditions.
“We have a grandchild with special needs, and we’re aware of what sensory overload does,” Dotty says. “To have a facility where these patients can be treated by trained providers, in a setting designed to keep them calm, is spectacular.”
Al Warkentine practiced dentistry in Fresno for 32 years. He remembers when the city had numerous dentists but just one oral surgeon. “I know lack of bandwidth is still a challenge. That’s where I see Pacific’s new clinics and surgery center being of special value,” he says.
The facility will dramatically increase the Dugoni School’s capacity to treat patients from all around the Bay Area especially underserved communities. It will support the relaunch of Pacific’s Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency program and a new Pediatric Dentistry specialty program.
“This will expand opportunities to serve patients with complex needs right on our campus, and to collaborate with local dentists on difficult cases,” explaines Dr. Elisa M. Chávez, interim dean.
To recognize the Warkentines’ support, the center’s consultation hub will bear their name—and they encourage others to join them. “I challenge other dentists to see what a good project this is and open their pocketbooks. Let’s support the school together,” Al says.
To learn more, contact Eric Dumbleton, associate dean for advancement, at (415) 929-6422 or edumbleton@pacific.edu.
Dugoni Business Club Donates $1,000 to Support Students in Need
On September 3, 2025, the Dugoni Business Club (DBC) donated $1,000 to The Art Dugoni Scholar Endowment, a fund that supports myriad needs including dental students who are facing financial challenges.
The Dugoni Business Club is dedicated to empowering business-minded dental students by equipping them with the skills, knowledge and mindset necessary for success beyond the clinical setting. The club’s mission is to elevate the dental school experience by fostering leadership, innovation and business acumen.
While the Dugoni School is known for producing outstanding clinicians, DBC aims to add another layer of excellence onto the school’s strong practice management curriculum—preparing students to become exceptional business owners and practice leaders. Through activities such as individualized future financial planning, real-world case studies and hands-on business training, DBC members gain a competitive edge as future entrepreneurs in dentistry.
“Serving as president of the DBC has challenged me to think strategically about how the club can best support students in navigating both the clinical and business sides of dentistry,” says Delara Fotovatja, president of the DBC and member of the Class of 2027. “I’m proud that we’re not only helping educate future leaders but also finding ways to give back to our dental school community. It’s truly an honor to represent the DBC.”
Interim Dean Elisa M. Chávez received the donation from the club and shared a heartfelt memory with the members. “When I was a dental student, I was once called into the Financial Aid Office and unexpectedly awarded $1,000. I know first-hand how much the support that you are providing will mean to someone. My sincere thanks to each of you and DBC for looking out for your colleagues in this way.”