- Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is slated to receive $30 million in state funding for the construction of a new College of Dentistry, pending final approval by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
- The total cost of establishing the college is $123.3 million, with $37.9 million in operational funds and $85.5 million in startup costs.
- A philanthropic donation of $30 million will further support the department, and the college will be housed in a state-of-the-art facility on the FAU Boca Raton campus.
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is set to receive $30 million in state funding allocations, pending final approval by Gov. Ron DeSantis, to support the construction of its new College of Dentistry. Once established, the college will serve as Florida’s second public dentistry school.
Financial details provided by the FAU Board of Trustees reveal that the establishment of the dentistry college will require a total of $123.3 million. This includes $37.9 million in recurring operational funds and $85.5 million in nonrecurring startup costs.
Additionally, a philanthropic donation of $30 million has been made to further support the department. The college will be housed in a state-of-the-art dental education facility on the FAU Boca Raton campus.
“FAU’s proposed College of Dentistry and Doctor of Dental Medicine degree supports the SUS Strategic Plan 2025 Goals for the state universities by increasing the number of graduate degrees awarded in an area of strategic emphasis, the number of graduate degrees awarded in STEM and Health, strengthening the quality, and recognition of commitment to community and business engagement,” FAU stated in its proposal to initiate construction and planning procedures.”
According to exploratory documents submitted by the FAU Board of Trustees, the College of Dentistry will offer the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree through an accredited program under the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
To support the establishment and operations of the College, Sen. Gayle Harrell requested $20 million from the state in order to hire personnel including a founding dean, associate dean for student affairs, assistant dean of curriculum, senior faculty, and administrative staff. FAU also plans to hire an assistant dean of admissions and staff to support student recruitment goals.
“This request would support the creation and operations of the College and will establish the infrastructure for the College to include the hiring of a founding dean, associate dean for student affairs, assistant dean of curriculum, senior faculty, and administrative personnel,” reads the appropriations request form. “We will also hire an assistant dean of admissions and staff to support student recruitment goals and faculty, administrative, and supporting staff.
The university aims to launch the College of Dentistry and the DMD program in 2025. Initially, 45 students will be admitted, with the number gradually increasing to 90 students per year over a span of four years. This will result in a total enrollment of 350 students.
The College of Dentistry will operate under the FAU Health Network, which will enable research in the field of dentistry and the development of new clinical practices. FAU plans to collaborate with dental hygiene programs to offer additional clinical rotation opportunities in order to address the shortage of qualified dental professionals in various areas.
In Florida, there is a significant shortage of dental professionals, with over 5 million residents living in areas with limited or no access to a dentist. The state faces a dental shortage in 63 out of its 67 counties, as reported by the Academy of General Dentistry.
Pending the approval of funding and construction, Florida Atlantic University’s new College of Dentistry aims to address this shortage and provide quality dental education and care to the population.