In Dentists

Missouri university plans to build $80M dental school

Joplin, Mo.-based Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences has plans to develop a dental college on its Joplin campus, according to The Joplin Globe.

The new dental school will cost $80 million and is scheduled to accept its first class of 80 students in 2022, university officials confirmed.

KCU President Marc Hahn, DO, is hopeful that the College of Dental Medicine will combat the city's dental shortage. Nearly all of the counties surrounding Joplin are identified as dental health professional shortage areas under federal regulations, Mr. Hahn said.

To remove the dental shortage designation, more than 750 dentists are needed in the area, Dr. Hahn said. The dental school is expected to generate a financial impact of $45 million annually and at least $1.7 million in state and local taxes. University officials also will create and support more than 200 jobs with the new dental school.

KCU has committed $40 million for the dental school. Another $20 million has been secured, and the university plans to collect the rest through philanthropic efforts.

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