Several Savannah dentists, including Dr. Felix Maher, are expressing concerns over the state’s plan to build a new dental school at Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus, fearing it may create more problems than it solves.
In January 2024, Governor Brian Kemp allocated $178 million to fund the establishment of Georgia’s first new dental college in over five decades. The decision comes in response to Georgia’s status as a “dental desert,” with a shortage of practicing dentists—only 5,212 for a population of 11.3 million. While the state’s push for a new dental school is seen as a solution to this gap, Dr. Maher and his colleagues argue that the real challenges lie elsewhere.
In a letter sent to state Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Savannah), Maher and other local dentists expressed concerns over student debt, the maldistribution of dentists, and faculty shortages. Georgia’s sole dental school, located in Augusta, currently faces 22 faculty vacancies. They believe the new dental school may not address these issues effectively, especially when the focus should be on improving the existing infrastructure.
Dr. Cara DeLeon, a pediatric dentist in Savannah, shares Maher’s concerns, emphasizing that state funding could be better directed toward solutions like expanding current programs rather than constructing a new institution. Despite these concerns, Rep. Stephens and Rep. Lee Hawkins (R-Gainesville), both dentists themselves, defend the decision, citing Georgia’s projected population growth and long-term needs.
Concerns Over Transparency and Stakeholder Involvement
In their letter to Stephens, Maher and his colleagues also highlighted the lack of transparency in the decision-making process, claiming that key stakeholders—including the Georgia Dental Association, the Hinman Dental Society, and the Georgia Academy of General Dentistry—were excluded from discussions. Even Rep. Hawkins admitted that the announcement of the new dental school caught him by surprise, although he acknowledged the ongoing discussions about addressing the state’s dentist shortage.
While the dentists contend that a more collaborative approach could have identified better solutions, Rep. Hawkins has introduced a bill, HB 322, aimed at addressing faculty shortages. The bill would allow dentists from other states and countries to become licensed to teach at Georgia dental schools. However, Maher has voiced concerns that this could lead to “wage suppression” and reduced opportunities for U.S.-trained professionals.
Addressing the Root Issues
Beyond the immediate concerns over faculty shortages, the dentists point to the escalating student debt in dental education as a critical factor. With average student debt nearing $300,000, many graduates are discouraged from entering underserved areas or academic careers, further exacerbating the workforce gap. Moreover, Maher pointed out that rural residents often have to travel over two hours to reach dental care in Savannah.
To address these issues, Maher and his colleagues are calling for a more strategic approach. They suggest increasing scholarship and loan forgiveness programs, expanding resources at current dental schools to optimize capacity, and providing more competitive salaries and incentives to attract and retain faculty.
Geographic and Financial Concerns
Dr. DeLeon also questioned the choice of Savannah as the location for the new school, pointing out the city’s geographic limitations and proximity to the existing dental school in Augusta. She argued that the real need lies in Georgia’s rural southern counties, which have far less access to dental care.
In addition, she raised concerns about the financial burden on students, as in-state tuition at the new school is estimated at $27,000 annually, not including additional fees. DeLeon herself benefited from state subsidies during her studies in Augusta, but she believes newer graduates face greater financial challenges. She also expressed concerns about the availability of affordable student housing in Savannah, where the median rent is approximately $1,284.
Governor’s Office Defends the Plan
In response to the dentists’ concerns, a spokesperson for Governor Kemp defended the new dental school, pointing to a feasibility study conducted by Tripp Umbach, which was commissioned by the Dental College of Georgia. The study, though not publicly available, indicated that a second dental school could help address the state’s rural dentist shortage. It suggested that Savannah was a viable location due to its larger population, despite its geographic constraints.
The study recommended the establishment of a new dental campus with 50 students per class, though it did not specifically identify Savannah as the location. Rep. Hawkins noted that Georgia’s rural areas do need more dentists, but larger population centers like Savannah are also crucial for sustaining a dental workforce.
Alternative Solutions Proposed
Rather than focusing on a new school, Maher and his colleagues suggested that the state invest in existing dental programs and create mobile clinics in underserved areas. These clinics, staffed by dental students, faculty, and volunteers, could provide clinical opportunities for students while also offering affordable dental care to rural populations.
Despite the state’s decision, the dentists are hopeful that a more collaborative and thoughtful approach can be found to address Georgia’s dental care challenges in a way that better meets the needs of underserved communities.
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