The first graduating class of the School of Dentistry
Where we started
Established by the Mississippi State Legislature in 1973, the School of Dentistry at UMMC admitted its first students in 1975. Now fifty years later, it remains the state’s first and only dental school.
Reflections from Alumni
As we celebrate 50 years of helping Mississippians have the best possible dental health, it is rewarding to hear reflections from our graduates about their careers and what the School of Dentistry has meant to their profession.
Learn MoreOver the Years
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1970
The dental hygiene program began as one of the first three programs offered by the School of Allied Health (now School of Health Related Professions).
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1973
A school of dentistry was authorized by the State of Mississippi Legislature under House Bill 165.
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1974
First dean, Dr. Wallace V. Mann, hired
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1975
The school was accredited In August; the first 25 students enroll. The dental hygiene program opened its clinic to the first dental students. In July, UMMC broke ground for the new dental education building.
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1977
The original School of Dentistry building was completed.
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1978
The School of Dentistry building was dedicated.
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1979
The School’s first graduating class completes dental school.
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1987
The Department of Dental Hygiene offered its first Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene to the Class of 1987.
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2003
For the first time in history, all the presidential officers of the Mississippi Dental Association were graduates of the UMMC School of Dentistry.
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2004
The Department of Biomedical Materials Science was officially granted department status within the School of Dentistry.
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2017
The School of Dentistry holds its first Dental Mission Week.
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2017
Department of Dental Hygiene moves from SHRP to School of Dentistry.
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2019
The school opened the Regions CRET (Center for Research & Education) Innovation Suite. The clinic is designed to simulate a private practice dental office.
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2024
The School of Dentistry holds its First Free Care Friday pediatric dental clinic.
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2025
March 6, 2025 – A groundbreaking for a new clinical building is held.
In a transformative step for the future of dental education and patient care, state and University of Mississippi Medical Center leaders officially began the next chapter in the School of Dentistry’s legacy with a groundbreaking event for the construction of a new clinical building.
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Contact the
School of Dentistry
2500 N. State St.
Jackson, MS 39216-4505
Phone: (601) 984-6155
