Revolutionizing Oral Health: Arkansas Launches Its First Dental School!
Welcome to the dawn of a new era in Arkansas higher education! As we embark on a thrilling three-part series, we’ll take you inside some groundbreaking institutions gearing up to transform the landscape for students by 2025. With Governor Sarah Sanders poised to shine a spotlight on higher education in the upcoming legislative session starting January 13, there’s never been a more exciting time to be a part of this journey.
Imagine a future where every Arkansan can enjoy better oral health—this vision is on the horizon thanks to the state’s inaugural dental school, set to open its doors this summer. Dr. Burke Soffe, the visionary founding dean of the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine, is on a mission to bridge the gap in dental care access and improve the overall oral health of our communities.
With a staggering 41.24 dentists for every 100,000 Arkansans, the state ranks dead last in the nation according to the American Dental Association. This urgent need for more dental providers couldn’t be clearer, especially in a state where many aspiring dentists are forced to study out of state and often don’t return, exacerbating the shortage.
“Our state is facing significant challenges with dental provider shortage areas,” explains Kerry Krell, a statewide program supervisor for the Arkansas Department of Health’s Office of Oral Health. “By establishing a dental school right here in Arkansas, we aim to recruit local talent and train the next generation of dentists who are committed to serving their communities.”
While Lyon College is navigating the accreditation process, anticipation is building as they prepare to welcome their first class of 80 students this June. This pioneering institution is breaking new ground with the first three-year dental program launched since the 1970s. Unlike traditional four-year programs, Lyon’s accelerated year-round schedule offers a unique opportunity for students to graduate sooner and with less debt.
“Dentists often can’t afford to take long breaks—they have patients to care for,” says Soffe. “Our efficient program is designed to get graduates into their communities sooner, ready to make an impact.”
With tuition and fees set at $102,000 annually, totaling $306,000 over three years, the investment in one’s future as a dentist is significant. But consider this—neighboring states’ dental schools are charging even more:
Tuition and Fees at Dental Schools Nearby
Kansas City University (Joplin): $105,813
LSU (New Orleans): $35,141 (resident), $63,869 (non-resident)
University of Mississippi (Jackson): $38,950 (resident), $87,203 (non-resident)
University of Oklahoma (Tulsa): $31,064 (resident), $73,732 (non-resident)
University of Tennessee (Memphis): $31,738 (resident), $72,221 (non-resident)
University of Texas (Dallas): $38,024.92 (resident), $48,824.92 (non-resident)
Located in Little Rock’s vibrant Riverdale neighborhood, the Lyon College dental school will occupy seven floors of the historic Blue Cross Blue Shield building. With over $25 million earmarked for construction and state-of-the-art facilities—including clinical floors, a simulation clinic, and collaborative spaces—the investment in oral health education is monumental.
The school’s strategic location will enable it to serve areas with the greatest need, and partnerships with organizations are already in motion. For instance, Lyon has teamed up with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to create joint opportunities in teaching, research, and professional development.
Furthermore, Lyon College is actively engaging the Arkansas Department of Health to enhance oral health awareness. In a recent collaboration, they sponsored an Oral Cancer Awareness night with the Arkansas Travelers baseball team—showcasing their commitment to community health.
From July 2023 to June 2024, the Arkansas Department of Health distributed over 62,000 oral health kits and placed more than 7,200 preventive dental sealants. But there’s more to do, especially when it comes to educating the public about the importance of oral health and how it ties into overall well-being.
Dr. Soffe envisions a future where dental students become ambassadors of oral health in K-12 schools, fostering a new culture of dental care awareness among the younger generations. “We need to break the cycle of neglect and instill the importance of regular dental visits early on,” he emphasizes.
The Cost of Care
Despite being entirely preventable, tooth decay remains the leading chronic disease among children in Arkansas. According to a 2023 Basic Screening Survey, 59.4% of surveyed students reported experiencing decay, highlighting the urgent need for action.
Socioeconomic factors, high tobacco use rates, and a general lack of access to dental education perpetuate the cycle of poor oral health. Dr. Soffe notes that fear and financial constraints are major barriers preventing people from seeking care. “Dental issues can escalate quickly, leading to more complex and expensive treatments down the line,” he warns.
To combat these challenges, Lyon College plans to host numerous community events and serve as a safety net for the underserved. “Our long-term goal is to change lives by making oral health a priority for families,” Dr. Soffe states.
In 2024, the college participated in the Arkansas Mission of Mercy event, providing free dental services to around 2,000 patients—demonstrating their commitment to serving the community.
While conversations around Arkansas’ low dentist-to-population ratio are common, it’s essential to consider the ratio of dentists to the population that actively seeks dental services. “Even in underserved areas, many dentists experience empty chair time,” notes ASDA executive director Billy Tarpley. “It’s often a matter of cultural perception about dental health.”
Even with Medicaid offering free dental care, many eligible Arkansans still don’t take advantage of available services. To elevate public awareness, Tarpley suggests integrating oral health education into maternal health initiatives, ensuring that families understand the importance of dental care from the very beginning.
To truly address the rural dental care crisis, a robust repayment program for dentists willing to work in underserved areas is essential. “We must create incentives that make it an attractive choice to practice in these communities,” says Tarpley.
Dr. Soffe is both excited and humbled to lead the establishment of Arkansas’ first dental school, fully aware of the historic significance it carries for the state. “This is a monumental step for Arkansas, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it,” he concludes, looking forward to the review of their accreditation status in January.
