Touro University — a New York-based nonprofit institution of higher and professional education — announced the expansion of its health sciences curriculum into Albuquerque on Sept. 25.
The clinical facility — Touro College of Dental Medicine — will be located on the campus of Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, 2425 Ridgecrest Drive SE.
“Touro University is committed to delivering quality education as well as integrity, inclusivity and respect for all members of our new Touro community in New Mexico,” said Alan Kadish, Touro University president. “We provide diverse, innovative and engaging course offerings that nurture personal growth and intellectual inquiry in superior academic programs.”
According to Kadish, students at TCDM spend their first two years in the classroom studying basic biological sciences, and at least two years seeing patients in the clinics.
One hundred students from each class of 200 will do the classroom portion of their training in the New York campus and spend their final two years treating patients from the Albuquerque community in the new clinical facility.
The first class will begin in spring 2025.
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller lauded the new facility, saying New Mexico was one of 14 states to not have a dental college.
New Mexico lags behind the nation in the average number of oral health-care professionals servicing residents of the state. Recent studies reveal the number of dentists per 100,000 people in New Mexico is only 48.4 — below the national average of 60.84.
According to the city, Touro University is investing an estimated $40 million in New Mexico — which includes the property acquisition and construction of the dental college.
City Councilor Nichole Rogers — who represents the district where Touro College resides — said it was important to have the dental college in the area.
“The college will treat a lot of New Mexicans, especially within this district,” she said. “We’re lucky to have this here.”
Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board Del Esparza and GACC President/CEO Terri Cole were on hand at the ground breaking.
We’re delighted to welcome Touro College as a member of the Chamber and look forward to a long association.
