Arkansas Launches Its First Dental School to Boost Oral Health Access!

On October 7, 2023, dedicated dental students lent their skills at a Remote Area Medical (RAM) mobile dental and medical clinic, bringing smiles and care to those in need in Grundy, Virginia. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

The future of oral health in Arkansas is on the brink of transformation, thanks to the state’s first-ever dental school, set to open this summer. Dr. Burke Soffe, the visionary founding dean of the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine, is optimistic that this initiative will not only elevate the oral health standards for generations to come but also significantly enhance access to care in a state yearning for providers.

With only 41.24 dentists for every 100,000 residents—the lowest ratio in the nation—Arkansas faces a pressing need for more dental professionals, especially in its rural areas. Many aspiring dentists are forced to pursue their education out-of-state, often never returning, which exacerbates the shortage. “Our state has several dental provider shortage areas,” says Kerry Krell, program supervisor for the Arkansas Department of Health’s Office of Oral Health. “We believe this local school will attract homegrown talent eager to serve their communities.”

While Lyon College navigates the accreditation process, it eagerly anticipates its first cohort of 80 students this June. This groundbreaking three-year program is the first of its kind since the 1970s, offering a unique, year-round curriculum designed to reduce student debt while ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the rigors of dentistry. “Dentists don’t take summers off; they’re busy caring for their patients,” Dr. Soffe states. “Our efficient program aims to get graduates into their communities sooner and with less financial burden.”

With a yearly tuition of $102,000, culminating in a total of $306,000 over three years, Lyon College is investing heavily in its mission. Situated in an expansive 127,000-square-foot facility in Little Rock’s vibrant Riverdale neighborhood, the dental school will feature state-of-the-art clinical spaces, a robust simulation clinic, and collaborative learning environments, thanks to an impressive $25 million investment, including a substantial federal appropriation.

The centrally located campus will empower the school to effectively reach neighboring communities in dire need of services. Collaborations with organizations like the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences are already in the works, promising a synergy that will enhance teaching, research, and professional development.

Lyon College is committed to raising oral health awareness throughout Arkansas, partnering with health organizations to champion initiatives like the Oral Cancer Awareness Night in April 2024, in collaboration with the Arkansas Travelers baseball team. “Our goal is to promote preventive care and improve health outcomes through coordinated efforts,” Krell emphasizes.

Despite preventable, tooth decay remains a critical issue, particularly among children—59.4% of surveyed students showed signs of decay. The challenges extend to adults as well, with high tobacco use rates compounding the problem. Fear, lack of access, and financial barriers often deter individuals from seeking necessary dental care. “Dental issues, when left unchecked, can escalate, turning minor problems into major, costly surgeries,” warns Soffe.

Addressing these barriers is central to Lyon College’s mission. “We want to create a safety net for underserved communities, engaging in outreach and community events to shift perceptions surrounding dental health,” he explains. “The long-term vision is to instill the importance of regular dental visits in families, making it a priority for both parents and children alike.”

In 2024, Dr. Soffe participated in the Arkansas Mission of Mercy, an inspiring event that provides free dental services to thousands. While the low dentist-to-population ratio raises eyebrows, the real challenge lies in changing mindsets about the value of dental care. “Even in underserved areas, many dentists face empty chairs because residents don’t prioritize oral health or perceive it as too costly,” says ASDA executive director Billy Tarpley.

For those on Medicaid, comprehensive dental services are available at no cost, yet utilization rates remain low. Tarpley advocates for better public education on oral health, particularly for maternal health initiatives, to ensure that the importance of early dental care is communicated to new parents.

Yet, education alone isn’t enough; retaining dentists in Arkansas and encouraging them to serve in rural areas is essential. “We need generous repayment programs to entice dentists to work in these communities,” Tarpley insists. “If we want to drive dental care into rural areas, we must incentivize it.”

Dr. Soffe is thrilled to spearhead this historic endeavor, pointing out that the dream of establishing a dental school in Arkansas has been a long time coming. “This is a monumental moment for our state, and we’re committed to making a lasting impact,” he declares.

The American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation is set to vote on Lyon’s accreditation status in January, with an anticipated announcement in February. The excitement is palpable as Arkansas embarks on this new chapter in dental education and healthcare accessibility.

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