Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University News

St. Joseph to Get New Dental School Satellite Campus by 2027

Illustration of the new dental school campus in St. Joseph

News Summary

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) has announced plans to establish a satellite campus for its dental school in St. Joseph, set to launch in 2027. This initiative aims to address the dentist shortage in rural Missouri and will be developed in partnership with Missouri Western University. A fundraising campaign seeking $12 million will cover the necessary expenses for equipment and renovations. This new program is expected to train additional dental students and enhance healthcare access in the region, benefiting the local community significantly.

St. Joseph to Get New Dental School Satellite Campus by 2027!

Exciting news is coming to St. Joseph! The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) has announced plans to create a satellite campus for its highly regarded dental school, and it’s set to launch in 2027. This plan, which was revealed by Chancellor Mauli Agrawal during his recent State of the University address, is sure to bring some smiles to faces around the area!

A Fundraising Effort in Full Swing

To make this vision a reality, UMKC is kicking off a fundraising campaign to gather a whopping $12 million from various sources, including state and federal funds as well as philanthropic contributions. This funding will go towards necessary equipment and renovation costs to ensure the new dental program is top-notch.

Partnership with Missouri Western University

The new campus will find its home at Missouri Western University, following a successful model of other UMKC satellite health care programs. Whether it’s the pharmacy school at the University of Missouri or the programs at Missouri State University, this partnership is designed to foster synergy and promote health care in the region.

Addressing the Dentist Shortage

One of the primary motivations behind this expansion is to tackle the growing shortage of dentists, especially in rural Missouri. The new satellite campus is expected to not only train future dentists but also provide essential dental care services to the local community through a university-run clinic. What a win-win situation!

UMKC: A Leader in Dental Education

For those who might not know, UMKC is the only public dental school in Missouri, with an impressive 63% of dentists in Missouri having graduated from their program. While Kansas City University and AT Still University offer private dental programs, UMKC’s public option is invaluable, especially in helping communities access affordable dental care.

A Growing Program with More Opportunities

The existing dental surgery degree program at UMKC currently admits 109 students annually in Kansas City. With the planned St. Joseph extension, they expect to welcome an additional 10 students per year, which will help even more individuals gain access to dental education and care.

A Notable Recognition for UMKC

In February, UMKC achieved an impressive milestone by being designated as a Research 1 (R1) institution by the Carnegie Foundation. This remarkable distinction makes UMKC the only top-ranked research university in the Kansas City area, highlighting their commitment to high-quality education and innovation.

Looking Forward to 2027

As the plans for the St. Joseph dental school satellite campus continue to unfold, the community can look forward to a future where dental care is more accessible, and educational opportunities in the health field are expanded. With UMKC leading the charge, it isn’t just a step forward for the university but a giant leap for the health and well-being of rural Missouri.

Stay tuned as we await more updates on this exciting development, which is bound to change the landscape of dental care in the region!