UMMC School of Dentistry breaks ground on a new building
Published on Monday, February 24, 2025
By: Rachel Vanderford, rvanderford@umc.edu
In a transformative step for the future of dental education and patient care, the UMMC School of Dentistry will celebrate the construction of a new clinical building, with a groundbreaking event scheduled for March 6 at 8:30 a.m. The ceremony will take place directly in front of the school.
This highly anticipated project, generously supported by a $40 million legislative appropriation, will provide an upgraded, dedicated space for student clinics, University Dentists and the Advanced Education in General Dentistry graduate program.
This expansion to the School of Dentistry marks a significant investment in the next generation of dental professionals. The new facility will allow all predoctoral students to provide comprehensive care in a modern clinical area, enhancing both patient care and student learning environments. Equipped with the latest resources and technology, the new space will also lay the foundation for future expansion, ensuring that the school continues to meet the evolving needs of oral health education and patient care.
“It’s exciting,” said Dr. Scott Phillips, associate dean for clinical affairs. “The new clinical building gives us the opportunity to have space for all predoctoral students to provide comprehensive patient care in a larger clinical area. Currently, students are assigned to three smaller clinics across two floors. Having a lot of our clinical staff and faculty working in the same location will allow for a better experience for patients and students.”
The building’s design thoughtfully prioritizes functionality, ensuring that each floor serves a specific purpose while providing a welcoming and efficient flow for both patients and providers. The entrance on the first floor will lead to dedicated spaces for University Dentists and Advanced General Dentistry, creating a central hub for faculty and graduate-level practices. Each practice will be accompanied by a comfortable waiting area designed to ensure a welcoming first impression.
The second floor will become home to the Comprehensive General Dentistry clinic, designed to optimize patient care and hands-on learning experiences for students. A spacious waiting area enhances patient comfort, while well-planned operatories allow for seamless patient flow and individualized care. While concrete plans for the third floor haven’t been made, the new building presents an exciting opportunity for future growth and expansion.
A major benefit of the new building is the chance to enhance and expand patient services. The AEGD clinic, for instance, will now be able to treat patients with a broader range of needs, including those with physical disabilities, who previously had to travel to the Jackson Medical Mall for treatment. The School of Dentistry is also exploring ways to bring additional services, giving patients comprehensive, centralized care that simplifies access and enhances the overall experience.
“This new building will allow the school to grow and thrive, potentially expanding in new and innovative ways,” said Dr. Pia Chatterjee Kirk, interim dean. “I am planning on continuing to focus on bettering our curriculum, our facilities, our student experiences and our relationships. I believe in supporting our students through their development at the School of Dentistry to realize their potential, create pathways to ensure their success and create an environment that nurtures the mind, body and soul.”
With the state-of-the-art facility on the horizon, the School of Dentistry is positioned to evolve and adapt to meet the demands of the ever-changing field of dentistry. By enhancing patient care, improving student learning environments, and laying the groundwork for future expansions, the new clinical building represents a transformative investment in the school’s future.
“I’m overjoyed about the new dental school facility,” said Dutton Day, third-year dentistry student. “We will be able to train talented students who are passionate about making a difference in their communities. This not only enhances the students’ education but also helps build a healthier future for families across our state—especially those in the Jackson area—by providing better access to quality dental care.”