Good morning.
Yesterday, we celebrated the start of a new chapter for the School of Dentistry with the groundbreaking for the construction of its new expansion building — and the day could not have been more perfect, despite the cold weather.
This milestone comes at a particularly meaningful time, as 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the UMMC School of Dentistry. It was a privilege to have members of the school’s very first graduating class (1979) join us for this special occasion that beautifully connected our past, present and future.
It was a great turnout, with many members of state and Medical Center leadership, faculty, staff, alumni and students there to witness this historic day. We were honored to have Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann, Secretary of State Michael Watson, and other elected officials and IHL representatives in attendance, championing the progress we are making.
This project wouldn’t be possible without the Mississippi Legislature’s long-standing support of the Medical Center and the health of Mississippians and the generosity of many donors who have contributed to the school over the years.
The $40 million in legislative funding that will bring this new facility to life is a significant investment in the future of oral health. In fact, this is the third education building project supported by our champions in the state capitol in recent years, joining the School of Medicine, which opened in 2017, and the new School of Nursing that is under construction, set to open next year.
Since its establishment as the state’s first — and only — dental school, the UMMC School of Dentistry has been a cornerstone of dental education, research and patient care in Mississippi. It is incredible to reflect on the thousands of dental professionals who have trained here and the countless patients whose lives have been improved through the school’s work.
As we look to the next 50 years, this new clinical practice and training facility represents far more than bricks and mortar. It is an investment in the next generation of dental professionals and our commitment to:
- Expand access to quality dental care across our state.
- Advance innovative research to improve treatments.
- Grow and strengthen training programs to prepare the best and brightest in the field.
Dr. Pia Chatterjee Kirk, interim SOD dean, shared during her remarks that yesterday was National Dentists Day — a fitting reminder of the essential role that oral health plays in overall well-being. As Mississippi’s only academic medical center, UMMC carries a responsibility that extends beyond any one school or discipline. Together, we are building a brighter future, strengthening our health care workforce and laying the foundation for A Healthier Mississippi.
