ABQ Times

Last week, the City of Albuquerque and Touro University broke ground on New Mexico’s first undergraduate dental clinical training facility. This new facility, located on the campus of Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute (LBRI) in Albuquerque, will serve as a clinical branch of Touro College of Dental Medicine (TCDM). It aims to provide essential training for 200 dental students and is scheduled to open in May 2025.

“The arrival of the Touro College of Dental Medicine marks a major milestone in our city’s fight to expand healthcare options for families,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Not only will it help fill a critical shortage of dental professionals in our community, but our young people will have the opportunity to pursue careers in dentistry right here at home. This first-of-its-kind facility will help build a healthier, more equitable future by expanding access to affordable dental care for those who need it most.”

“Touro University is committed to delivering quality education as well as integrity, inclusivity, and respect for all members of our new Touro community in New Mexico,” said Touro University President Alan Kadish, M.D. “We provide diverse, innovative, and engaging course offerings that nurture personal growth and intellectual inquiry in superior academic programs.”

“TCDM is thrilled to expand to New Mexico and create the first ultra-modern, world-class dental clinical training facility in the state. Our mission is to improve oral health care and graduate outstanding dental professionals who deliver excellent health care service to diverse communities,” said TCDM Dean Ronnie Myers, D.D.S. “With the first pre-doctoral dental student clinical educational facility in New Mexico, we will provide an opportunity to deliver much-needed low-cost oral health care to underserved communities while expanding local access for New Mexico students interested in becoming dentists.”

New Mexico currently faces a shortage of oral healthcare professionals with only 48.4 dentists per 100,000 people, below the national average of 60.84. “We anticipate that there will be a significant number of graduates who remain in New Mexico to pursue their dental careers, adding to our incentive to build the new facility and clinic in the land of enchantment,” Dr. Myers added.

The new TCDM facility will encompass over 70,000 square feet and house more than 100 dental units including spaces for specialty care such as oral surgery, orthodontics, endodontics, and pediatric dentistry. This infrastructure will support students completing their education at TCDM’s new campus.

Touro University is investing approximately $40 million into this project which is expected to positively impact educational and economic development not just in Albuquerque but beyond. The establishment of this dental college is anticipated to create high-paying jobs for New Mexicans while enhancing local educational opportunities.

The success seen at TCDM's New York campus is intended to be replicated here by providing students with robust academic support and practical clinical experience. This new facility aims not only at delivering necessary dental care but also offering local access for aspiring dentists from New Mexico.