Dr. David Katz, vice dean for Clinical Affairs at Touro College of Dental Medicine, spoke to GACC Board members Nov. 14. Katz updated the board on Touro’s plan for its dental college in Albuquerque.
On Nov. 14, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce held its monthly board meeting at the Chamber.
During the meeting, Board members heard a presentation from Dr. David Katz, vice dean for Clinical Affairs at Touro College of Dental Medicine.
Touro, a Chamber member, will open New Mexico’s first dental college. In his presentation, Katz said:
New Mexico presents a unique opportunity for aspiring dentists and health care providers.
With only 48.4 dentists per 100,000 people, the state has one of the lowest dentist-to-population ratios in the country. This shortage highlights a critical need for more dental professionals in the region.
Touro College of Dental Medicine is committed to addressing this gap by establishing a new dental education and clinical facility in Albuquerque.
By providing local access to dental education, Touro aims to encourage students to practice in the state where they train, thereby delivering essential dental care to underserved communities and supporting the growth of the local health care workforce.
Additionally, Touro College of Dental Medicine’s Mission Statement includes trying to provide care to the underserved. New Mexico is one of the poorest and underserved populations in the United States, with close to 50% of the population on Medicaid.
Katz said by the end of 2026, there will be 200 students living in New Mexico completing their two-year program.
He said Touro College of Dental Medicine is trying to establish a relationship with UNM to create pathways for students.
“I’m hopeful that a percentage of students will continue to stay in the state, and the college is working on the pathway programs directly from high school, as well as those with UNM,” Katz said. “Currently, there are two New Mexican students in the program.”