Tanner College of Dental Medicine | A Bold Step Forward in Advancing Dental Edcuation

By Kate Ray '24

In November, Jill Keaton, DMD, M.S., stepped into the role of dean of the Tanner College of Dental Medicine. She has served the Eastern Kentucky area for more than two decades in roles of increasing leadership responsibility, including private dental practice and providing specialty care to patients by owning and operating The Center for TMJ Disorders in Pikeville.

Since assuming the position of associate dean of clinical affairs at TCDM in February 2023, Keaton has worked to prepare the application for initial accreditation of the dental school with the Commission on Dental Accreditation. She also collaborated closely with architects to design the state-of-the-art facility, forged strategic partnerships with area stakeholders for external rotations, and networked with other dental school educators to learn more about the changing landscape in dental education with new technology and teaching methodology.

The University of Pikeville is embarking on construction of a dental college that will boast multiple treatment areas catering to general dentistry, pediatrics and specialized care. Each treatment site will offer separate waiting areas and other amenities meticulously designed to elevate the patients’ experiences. The dynamic space will also feature interactive classrooms, advanced preclinical patient simulation stations and digital dental laboratories.

“The university is thrilled to be leading this initiative. The establishment of the Tanner College of Dental Medicine signifies a monumental leap forward in our commitment to excellence in education, patient care and research,” said Keaton. “We envision this institution not only as a beacon of knowledge but also as a catalyst for positive change in the field of dentistry.”

TCDM was recently selected to receive the 2024 Center for Research and Education in Technology (CRET) Innovation Center (IC) Award. TCDM is the seventh school recipient chosen for the prestigious IC Award. The award will support the establishment of a hub for innovation and advancement in dental education that will house the latest in dental technology and materials to prepare students for modern-day dental practice.

CRET, established in 2004 by pioneering figures in the dental industry, aims to equip dental schools with cuttingedge equipment and products. Their mission is to develop educational programs ensuring dental students, residents and faculty possess proficiency in 21st-century technology for patient treatment during their academic tenure.

TCDM is enthusiastic about the partnership with CRET, seeing it as an opportunity to address barriers to dental care and extend vital services to underserved populations. Keaton expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting its potential to enhance the university’s outreach efforts while offering students unparalleled access to technological advancements in oral healthcare.

“The establishment of the CRET Innovation Center will provide our students with invaluable experience with progressive dental products, equipment and practice management systems. Through simulated patient scheduling, materials management and hands-on equipment training, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of modern dental practice,” said Keaton. “The center will be utilized to provide superior education courses, continuing education programs and community outreach programs. It will be a hub for community-based public research, and not only will UPIKE students benefit from this specialized training, but area dentists will also use it for continuing education courses.”

Designed to emulate a real-world private practice environment, the CRET IC will afford students the opportunity to treat patients using technology sourced from more than 30 member companies. This immersive experience will enrich their educational journey and prepare them for seamless integration into professional practice upon graduation. Under Keaton’s visionary leadership, TCDM is poised to become a guiding light of excellence in dental education, equipping future generations of dental professionals with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.