Miami-based Larkin University has received accreditation and state authorization to open the first dental school in Central Florida.
The Florida Commission for Independent Education granted Larkin University a license to offer a four-year DMD program at its Orlando campus earlier this month, after the Commission on Dental Accreditation granted the university initial accreditation at its August 2026 meeting.
The Larkin University School of Dental Medicine, which will be the state’s fourth dental school, will now begin recruiting its inaugural class, which is expected to include 90 students who will begin training in Fall 2027.
The Orlando campus also houses the university’s School of Osteopathic Medicine, allowing for interdisciplinary education that emphasizes the link between oral health and overall wellbeing, according to a Nov. 6 news release.
The university noted that the development of the dental school has been advanced through its collaboration with Effingham, Ill.-based Heartland Dental. Rick Workman, DMD, the DSO’s founder, said in the news release that the dental school is a stepping stone for increased accessibility and a stronger dental profession.
Steven Haas, DMD, will serve as the school’s founding dean.
