Savannah Dental Community Concerned About New School Plans

News Summary

The Savannah dental community expresses mixed feelings regarding plans for a new dental school at Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus. Set to be the first dental college built in Georgia since 1969, the school has received significant funding to address Georgia’s classification as a ‘dental desert’. However, many local dentists assert that there are deeper issues at play, such as dental student debt and practitioner distribution, indicating a complex landscape that needs addressing beyond just the establishment of a new institution.

Savannah Dental Community Expresses Concern Over New Dental School Plans

In the charming city of Savannah, excitement and concern are swirling around plans for a new dental school at Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus. Set to be the first dental college built in Georgia since 1969, the school has been allocated a whopping $178 million from Governor Brian Kemp’s amended state budget for January 2024. However, not everyone in the dental community is smiling at this prospect.

A ‘Dental Desert’

The new dental college aims to address Georgia’s alarming classification as a “dental desert”, where a mere 5,212 dental practitioners serve a state population of over 11.3 million. This glaring mismatch has sparked discussions and debates among dentists, lawmakers, and community members about the best approach to solving the state’s dental care challenges.

Challenges Go Deeper

While some advocate for the establishment of a new school, many experienced dentists, including Dr. Felix Maher and his peers, argue that the pressing challenges in Georgia’s dental landscape are multifaceted. They highlight critical issues like dental student debt and the uneven distribution of practitioners as factors that need addressing, not just an influx of new graduates. Dentists point out that the state’s only dental school currently has 22 faculty openings, suggesting a staffing crisis that needs immediate attention.

A Call for Transparency

One major contention is the apparent lack of transparency in how the decision for the new college was made. Stakeholder organizations, including the Georgia Dental Association and others, voiced their frustration over being excluded from discussions related to the new school. They seek more involvement in shaping the future of dental education in Georgia.

Population Growth and Geographic Needs

State Representatives Ron Stephens and Lee Hawkins recognize the importance of dental education but maintain that the long-term population growth in Georgia, projected to make it the fifth most populous state, necessitates the establishment of the college. Yet, questions linger about whether Savannah is the best location, given that some residents in rural areas have to travel over two hours just to reach dental care in Savannah. Pediatric dentist Dr. Cara DeLeon emphasized the geographic limitations and access challenges for the southern rural counties.

Financial Considerations for New Students

The proposed dental school aims to project an in-state tuition of around $27,000 per year. However, this doesn’t include additional fees and living expenses. With Savannah’s median rent hovering around $1,284, future dental students may find themselves in a precarious financial situation.

Addressing Actual Needs Rather Than Creating More Challenges

This brings to light the essential question: will the new dental school actually meet the communities’ needs? Many experts, including Dr. Maher, suggest that rather than investing in a new institution, funds could be better spent on clinics in underserved areas. Such initiatives could directly address the critical need for accessible dental care in rural communities, rather than simply setting up another college that may not be fully utilized.

Unanswered Questions

Interestingly, the funding decision was reportedly influenced by a feasibility study, but details from this study have yet to be made public. According to preliminary findings, while certain areas in Georgia like Savannah may be deemed suitable for dental training due to their populations, it’s essential to focus on where the greatest needs exist–primarily in rural and underserved communities.

Looking Ahead

As the dust settles around these plans, the Savannah dental community remains engaged and hopeful for a future that prioritizes collaboration and addresses the real needs of Georgians requiring dental care. The upcoming developments with the new dental school will surely continue to spark discussions on how best to harness the potential of future dental graduates.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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