Touro College of Dental Medicine has officially opened its new facility in southeast Albuquerque, marking the state's first dental college. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on September 16 and was attended by Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, along with officials and students from the college.
The institution aims to address a significant gap in New Mexico's health care system. According to available data, New Mexico has one of the lowest patient-to-dentist ratios in the country, with only 48 dentists per 1,000 people compared to the national average of 60 per 1,000.
“Today’s ribbon cutting is more than opening a building,” said Joseph Parkinson, executive assistant dean at Touro College of Dental Medicine’s New Mexico campus and a practicing dentist. “It’s about opening the door for opportunities for education, patient care and community service.”
Located off Gibson Boulevard near San Pedro Drive and close to the Gateway Center, the new 70,000-square-foot school features over 100 dental stations. These facilities allow students and patients access to general dentistry services as well as oral surgery, orthodontics, and pediatric dental care.
Students will spend two years at Touro University completing clinical training activities while treating patients at this new site. The inaugural class consists of 100 students who began their studies this year; another cohort of 100 students is expected next year.
Touro College is investing around $40 million into its New Mexico operations. This investment is anticipated to create high-paying jobs for local residents while enhancing educational opportunities and improving health care services in Albuquerque and surrounding areas.
The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce extended congratulations to Touro College of Dental Medicine as it begins this initiative focused on both education and health care.
