On Sept. 16, New York-based Touro College of Dental Medicine had a ribbon cutting for its new building in southeast Albuquerque.
The dental college — the state’s first — is now teaching students and serving patients on-site, filling a void in New Mexico health care as New Mexico has one of the worst patient-to-dentist ratios in the United States. There are 48 dentists for every 1,000 people here compared to the national average of 60 per 1,000.
“Today’s ribbon cutting is more than opening a building,” said Joseph Parkinson, Touro College of Dental Medicine executive assistant dean at the New Mexico campus and a dentist himself. “It’s about opening the door for opportunities for education, patient care and community service.”
The 70,000-square-foot school off Gibson Boulevard near San Pedro Drive — which is near the Gateway Center — includes more than 100 dental stations where people can learn about or get general dentistry services, oral surgery, orthodontics and even pediatric tooth care all under one roof.
Students come to Touro University for two years to complete clinical training activities and treat patients at the new Albuquerque facility. The first class of 100 students have started at the college this year, with another 100 students starting next year.
Touro is investing approximately $40 million in New Mexico, positively impacting educational and economic development in Albuquerque and beyond. The establishment of the dental college is expected to create high-paying jobs for New Mexicans while enhancing both local educational opportunities and health care for residents.
The Chamber congratulates member Touro College of Dental Medicine as it embarks on this long-overdue educational and health-care endeavor!