When retired dentist Al Warkentine ’65 thinks back on his career, he specifically remembers the challenges for many patients with disabilities.

“We were prepared to handle almost anything, but the most difficult cases often weren’t treated back then. They were left to fall by the wayside—it was really sad,” he said.

He and his wife Dotty Warkentine are helping to change that, with a $1 million lead gift to the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry supporting its planned Ambulatory Surgical Center and Multi-disciplinary Advanced Care Clinic. Slated to open on University of the Pacific’s San Francisco Campus in late 2026, the center is designed to serve individuals of all ages with special needs.

The 13,000 square foot facility will feature four operating rooms, eight operatories, five mixed use medical/dental clinics and 10 recovery rooms, as well as a waiting area designed for patients with sensory processing disorders and other conditions.

The Warkentines have a self-professed heart for children and are particularly inspired by the center’s potential to support pediatric patients.

"We have a grandchild with special needs, and we’re aware of what sensory overload does to these kids,” Dotty said. “To have a facility where they can be treated by trained providers, in a setting designed to keep them calm, is spectacular.”

Her husband agrees. After graduating from Pacific’s dental school, Al Warkentine practiced dentistry in Fresno for more than 30 years.  He remembers a time when the city had numerous dentists but just one board certified oral surgeon.

“Most of us did our own oral surgery. You couldn't refer patients out, because that one surgeon handled a lot of severe cases, and he was very busy,” he said. “I know the lack of bandwidth is still a challenge today. That’s where I see Pacific’s clinic being of special value.”

The ambulatory surgery center will dramatically increase the Dugoni School’s capacity to treat patients from underserved communities and to partner with other providers on complex cases. These include patients with special needs who require dental treatment under general anesthesia, and those who struggle to find providers trained to meet their needs.

"This new center will expand access to oral health care for those who far too often go without, while offering a rare opportunity for patients to access needed medical and dental care under one roof,” said Pacific President Christopher Callahan.

“Al and Dotty care deeply about meeting these patients’ needs met. We are truly grateful for their generous support.”

The center also will support the relaunch of Pacific’s oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program along with a new pediatric dentistry specialty, giving students an active role in patient care.

“This will increase opportunities for pre- and postdoctoral students to care for patients with complex needs right on our campus,” explained Interim Dean Elisa Chávez. “We also will be able to collaborate with local dentists, to provide specialty care for patients who would benefit from receiving services both in our clinics and in their practices.”

To recognize the Warkentines’ support, the center’s consultation hub—where doctors meet with patients and families to discuss treatment plans—will bear their name.

“The most esteemed dental school in the country should be leading the way in this area. I’m happy to see that happening, and I’m happy to be behind it,” Dotty Warkentine said.

The couple place a high value on philanthropy and service to others, and desire not only to give themselves, but to encourage others to do the same.

“I challenge other professionals, particularly other dentists, to see what a good project this is and to open their pocketbooks. Let’s support the dental school together,” Al Warkentine said.

To learn about supporting the Ambulatory Surgical Center and Multi-disciplinary Advanced Care Clinic—including available naming opportunities—contact Eric Dumbleton, associate dean for development, at 415.929.6422 or edumbleton@pacific.edu.