News Summary

Savannah dentists are skeptical about the state’s plan to establish a new dental college at Georgia Southern University. While $178 million has been allocated to address dental care needs, local practitioners express concerns regarding faculty shortages and student debt. The proposal lacks transparency and could lead to funding misallocation, emphasizing the need to address current challenges rather than creating a new institution.

Savannah Dentists Critique State’s Plan for New Dental College Amid Concerns Over Faculty Shortages and Funding Allocation

Savannah is facing scrutiny regarding the state’s plan to establish a new dental school at Georgia Southern University Armstrong Campus. Governor Brian Kemp allocated $178 million in the amended budget for January 2024 to address the state’s dental care needs.

Georgia has been identified as a “dental desert,” with only 5,212 practicing dentists serving a population of 11.3 million. While some advocate for the new dental college, local dentists express concern over more pressing issues, including:

• High dental student debt, averaging nearly $300,000
• A significant faculty shortage at the current dental college, which has 22 open positions
• Maldistribution of dentists, leading many residents in rural areas to travel over two hours for care

Dr. Felix Maher and his colleagues argue that state funds could be better utilized on existing challenges rather than creating a new institution. They emphasize the need for:

• Funding clinics in underserved areas operated by dental faculty, students, and volunteer dentists
• Addressing the current faculty shortage, as Savannah’s dental school operates at 80% of its required clinical capacity

Local legislators, including Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Savannah) and Rep. Lee Hawkins (R-Gainesville), acknowledge the concerns while framing the dental college as part of a broader, long-term strategy. Hawkins, who was unaware of the plans prior to the governor’s announcement, stated that discussions on dental workforce needs have been ongoing since 2022.

In a joint letter, Maher and colleagues expressed concern over the lack of transparency and inclusion of key stakeholders, such as the Georgia Dental Association and the Georgia Board of Dentistry, in the decision-making process. Only 23 out of Georgia’s 159 counties do not experience a shortage of dental care, indicating extensive needs across the state.

In response to faculty shortages, Hawkins proposed HB 322, which would allow dentists from other states to obtain teaching licenses in Georgia. Critics warn this may lead to wage suppression and fewer opportunities for domestic dental professionals.

Concerns about the financial burden of the new college persist, with in-state tuition estimated at $27,000 per year, alongside average monthly rent in Savannah around $1,284. Dr. Cara DeLeon criticized the decision to situate the new campus in Savannah, citing geographic limitations that do not meet the needs of southern Georgia counties.

Overall, the feasibility study that influenced the decision emphasized the need for dental care in rural areas but did not prioritize Savannah, raising doubts about whether this new institution will adequately address community needs or lead to inefficiencies.

The governor’s office responded that the proposal underwent thorough legislative processes, although specifics regarding public engagement remain unclear.

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Additional Resources

• Savannah Now: Kemp’s Funding for New Savannah Dental College Raises Dentists’ Concerns
• MSN: Georgia House Health Committee Unanimously Passes Bill for Dental Schools
• Savannah Magazine: When Teeth Become Trendy
• Wikipedia: Dental School
• Google Search: Dental Schools Faculty Shortage