Temple University is planning to open a dental school in Tamaqua, Pa., which will be the first rural dental school in the state, according to a June 19 report from Times News.
Students at the Temple University Kornburg School of Dentistry would study at the university’s Philadelphia campus for two years, then work and live at the new campus in Tamaqua to train for two years.
Amid Ismail, BDS, dean of the Temple University dental school, made the announcement at a state Senate Majority Policy Committee.
The new school aims to reduce dental workforce shortages in rural areas of Pennsylvania. The PA Coalition for Oral Health said that the state needs 2,000 dentists, 7,000 dental hygienists and 10,000 expanded function dental assistants to ensure each resident receives regular dental services.
The university is also considering adding schools at five other rural sites.
Dr. Ismail said that about 20 students would attend the new school each year, which could open in September 2026, the report said.
