Concerns Raised Over New Dental College Proposal in Savannah

News Summary

Local dentists in Savannah are voicing concerns about a proposed $178 million dental college at Georgia Southern University. They question if this initiative, aimed at alleviating Georgia’s dental desert status, is the right solution. Issues such as student debt, faculty shortages, and the need for strategic solutions to enhance existing dental services are highlighted. Critics argue that the current resources should be focused on improving access and affordability of dental care before establishing a new institution.

Savannah Dentists Voice Concerns Over Proposed Dental College

In Savannah, the local dental community is buzzing with _concerns_ about a new proposal to establish a $178 million dental college at Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus. Governor Brian Kemp’s recent decision has many local dentists questioning if this ambitious plan, aimed at addressing Georgia’s _dental desert_ status, is truly the right move to make.

Georgia’s Dental Desert Dilemma

Georgia has been labeled as a _“dental desert”_ due to a significant disparity between the number of practicing dentists and the state’s large population of 11.3 million people. Only 5,212 licensed dentists are currently practicing, which many argue illustrates a clear need for more dental professionals. However, some local dentists, most notably Dr. Felix Maher and his colleagues, feel that the solution lies not in creating new dental schools, but in addressing deeper issues such as _student debt_ and the uneven distribution of existing dental practitioners.

A Critical Faculty Shortage

Interestingly, Georgia’s only dental college is facing a faculty shortage with a staggering 22 openings. This raises questions about the feasibility of successfully launching a new program when the current college is struggling to fill essential teaching positions. Local pediatric dentist Dr. Cara DeLeon points out that state funds might be better utilized to address these pressing issues before jumping into building a whole new institution.

Long-Term Perspectives and Stakeholder Exclusion

Nevertheless, some state representatives, including Ron Stephens and Lee Hawkins, are optimistic about the long-term impact of the new dental college. They believe that as Georgia’s population is projected to rise significantly in the upcoming decades, additional educational pathways in dental care could be essential. However, Maher and others express their _deep concern_ over the lack of _involvement_ from key stakeholders in this decision-making process, including the Georgia Dental Association and pertinent state agencies like the Georgia Board of Dentistry.

Timing and Tuition Challenges

With the projected opening of the college scheduled for Fall 2028, some experts suggest this timeline may be overly optimistic, especially considering the necessity of hiring qualified professors before any students can enroll. Concerns over financial burdens are also at the forefront, with in-state tuition expected to be approximately $27,000 per year. When additional fees are factored in, the total costs could be quite overwhelming for aspiring dental students.

Real Issues of Access and Affordability

Beyond the issue of affordability, access to dental care continues to be a major hurdle. Many residents in rural areas are forced to travel over two hours to reach dental services in Savannah. This situation underscores the importance of _strategic solutions_ that do not merely involve constructing new facilities. Critics suggest that enhancing existing clinics in underserved regions, operated by faculty, students, and volunteer dentists, would likely be a more effective approach to solving Georgia’s dental care shortage.

Market Challenges for New Graduates

The specter of mounting student debt hangs heavily over new graduates, with the average dental student debt in the U.S. nearing an alarming $300,000. As a result of this financial burden, many graduates may feel disinclined to work in underserved areas or pursue careers in academia. The establishment of a new college could inadvertently lead to _wage suppression_ and reduced job opportunities for qualified dental professionals from the U.S., as expressed by Maher. Some proposed legislation aims to license foreign and out-of-state dentists as instructors, which adds another layer of concern for local practitioners.

The Call for Transparency

As the discussion around the potential dental college continues to unfold, local dentists are advocating for increased public discourse and _transparency_ in planning processes. It’s clear that stakeholders need to be engaged to ensure the new institution truly meets the community’s needs rather than creating additional challenges. With 136 out of 159 counties in Georgia already facing a shortage of dental care, a cohesive strategy that focuses on _long-term solutions_ may be essential for lasting change in the state’s dental landscape.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Savannah Dental Community Concerned About New School Plans
Concerns Rise in Savannah Over New Dental School Plans

Additional Resources

• Savannah Now: Kemp’s Funding for New Savannah Dental College Raises Dentists’ Concerns
• Savannah Now: Proponents See Bill as Needed Recruitment Tool to Attract Dental Instructors
• WSAV: Gov. Kemp Proposes $178M for Dental School at Georgia Southern
• Wikipedia: Dental School
• Google Search: Dental Education Georgia