10 minute read
Breaking Ground at Tanner College of Dental Medicine
By Katie Ray '24
Under the leadership of Dean Jill Keaton, DMD, MS, DABOP, FAAOP, the University of Pikeville is making remarkable strides in the development of the Tanner College of Dental Medicine. This ambitious project aims to address the growing need for dental professionals in Central Appalachia while providing students with innovative pathways to succeed in their careers.
“We’re excited to build a dental program that not only teaches but also inspires our students to tackle the healthcare challenges in our region,” said Keaton. “By creating a supportive and creative learning space, we want to help shape the next generation of dental professionals who will truly make a difference in their communities.”
TCDM, made possible through a generous $25 million gift from the Tanner family, will have a transformative impact on Eastern Kentucky’s healthcare landscape. The new college will focus on training future dental professionals who are committed to serving rural and underserved communities.
Marking a significant milestone, UPIKE held a groundbreaking ceremony for TCDM on October 4. The event was attended by Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, the Tanner family, and numerous state and local leaders.
“This project brings together so much of what Team Kentucky has been fighting for. Our administration is an education-first administration, and this new Tanner College of Dental Medicine is expanding higher learning in a crucial field right here at UPIKE. Healthcare is a basic, fundamental human right that every American deserves, and this institution will help ensure that people can secure that care close to where they live,” said Gov. Beshear.
Because of investments like this, we’re not only creating jobs and improving healthcare, but we’re giving the next generation of Kentuckians the opportunity to dream big. Students from Eastern Kentucky will be able to become dental specialists without leaving their home region, and that’s what we all want—jobs, educational opportunities, and healthcare for our children, so they can dream as big as they want and chase those dreams right here.” - Gov. Beshear
Click here to watch a recap of the groundbreaking ceremony.
INNOVATIVE DESIGN
The UPIKE leadership team is deeply engaged in developing the architectural plans for TCDM. Dedicated workgroups have been formed to focus on key aspects such as security, clinical design and furniture selection. This state-of-the-art facility will span more than 90,000 square feet and feature three floors of clinical space.
The first floor will showcase a welcome center alongside three distinct clinical areas: the Center for Research and Education in Technology with six dental operatories, a special care clinic with seven operatories and a pediatric clinic with eight operatories. The second and third floors will house student clinics, each equipped with 36 dental operatories. Meanwhile, the fourth and fifth floors will include a cutting-edge pre-clinical simulation laboratory, classroom space, faculty offices and multiple breakout and collaborative workspaces. Much of the existing parking adjacent to the Health Professions Education Building will remain to provide ample patient parking.
The design features a garage-level lobby with elevators providing access to the welcome center on the first floor. The plaza level will also offer access to the fourth floor. This layout encourages interaction among students and faculty across campus while keeping the lower levels dedicated to patient care.
LOOKING AHEAD
TCDM is on track to receive accreditation in 2025. The Commission on Dental Accreditation has completed its review of the college’s initial application and curriculum. The first of three site visits is scheduled for March, with a full review from the commission anticipated later that summer. This process is crucial for ensuring that the college meets the rigorous standards set for dental education. The second will be scheduled when the first group of students is at the midpoint of their predoctoral dental education. The third will occur just prior to their graduation.
“We are committed to meeting and exceeding the standards of dental education,” said Keaton. “Each step we take brings us closer to our goal of providing exceptional training for our students. Accreditation is not just a milestone for us, it represents our dedication to creating a top-tier educational experience that equips our graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their careers.”
UPIKE has conveyed its enthusiasm for TCDM’s potential, highlighting that the new college will complement the existing colleges of osteopathic medicine and optometry, strengthening its mission to expand healthcare access in the region. As the dental college continues to evolve, its vision of enhancing dental education and access to care in Central Appalachia remains at the forefront. With Keaton’s guidance and the collective efforts of faculty, students and community partners, TCDM is well on its way to becoming a leading institution in dental education and innovation. The future is bright, not only for the college but for the countless patients and communities it will serve.
We are excited about the journey ahead and the positive impact we will have on our community and beyond. - Keaton
BUILDING CONNECTIONS
Keaton represents UPIKE as a member of the Kentucky Dental Association (KDA). She provides comprehensive reports to KDA members, updating representatives from dental societies across the state and other dental schools in the commonwealth on the ongoing development of TCDM.
In April, an Oral Cancer Summit was hosted on the UPIKE campus. This free event, sponsored by the United Health Foundation, was organized in collaboration with the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry and the Kentucky Mountain Dental Society and emphasizes the college’s commitment to public health and community service.
In June, UPIKE and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid in Kentucky held a press conference to celebrate the launch of the Anthem Dental Rural Medicine Scholarship at TCDM. The establishment of the scholarship totalling $100,000, funded by Anthem, aims to address the critical shortage of oral healthcare providers.
“We are profoundly grateful for Anthem’s partnership, which supports the mission of our Tanner College of Dental Medicine to educate future dentists dedicated to expanding access to oral healthcare in rural and underserved areas,” said President Burton J. Webb, Ph.D. “Addressing systemic challenges, like improving dental access, requires vision and collaborations with like-minded community partners. The Anthem Dental Rural Medicine scholarship is a prime example of these principles in action. By coming together, we’re addressing the immediate financial needs of our students while also establishing long-term solutions with the potential to significantly transform the health of our communities.”
Since June, the university has secured $2.45 million in funding for TCDM. These funds are earmarked for scholarships, cutting-edge dental equipment and essential furnishings, which are crucial for creating a state-of-the-art learning environment. Financial backing is vital in attracting the best talent and resources, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education.
STUDENT AND FACULTY RECRUITMENT
Student recruitment efforts are in full swing, with targeted activities reaching out to potential applicants. The Office of Admissions and TCDM faculty have engaged in both virtual and in-person recruitment, generating significant interest in the predoctoral dental education program. Its first cohort of students is scheduled to begin in June 2026.
One of the most exciting developments is the introduction of a 3+3 pathway for students, allowing them to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science and a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in just six years. This streamlined approach not only accelerates educational outcomes but also encourages more students to enter the dental field. The program is currently pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Recent events have included an organizational meeting for the TCDM pre-dental club and the designation of two Presidential Scholars, Makinna Caudill and Noah Brown, who are receiving personalized guidance from faculty as they pursue their dreams of becoming dentists.
On the faculty side, TCDM is dedicated to attracting top talent. Iquebal Hasan, BDS, FNAP, has recently joined the team as the associate dean of academic affairs and professor of dental medicine. Amna Hasan, BDS, DABOP, FAAOP, FNAP, also recently came on board as the associate professor of orofacial pain. The faculty recruitment team is working diligently to identify additional qualified candidates to ensure students receive the highest quality education.
“We are excited to welcome such esteemed professionals to our team,” said Iquebal. “Their expertise will play a crucial role in enriching our curriculum and enhancing the learning experience for our students.”
The Baird Family Service Award stands as a beacon of recognition for those who embody the spirit of community service and leadership. This esteemed honor is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities. Among the recipients of this distinguished award is the Tanner family whose dedication to giving back to the community through the creation of a dental school serves as a powerful example for others. The Tanners’ contributions have touched many lives, embodying the essence of philanthropic spirit and service.
LOOKING AHEAD
TCDM is on track to receive accreditation in 2025. The Commission on Dental Accreditation has completed its review of the college’s initial application and curriculum. The first of three site visits is scheduled for March, with a full review from the commission anticipated later that summer. This process is crucial for ensuring that the college meets the rigorous standards set for dental education. The second will be scheduled when the first group of students is at the midpoint of their predoctoral dental education. The third will occur just prior to their graduation.
“We are committed to meeting and exceeding the standards of dental education,” said Keaton. “Each step we take brings us closer to our goal of providing exceptional training for our students. Accreditation is not just a milestone for us, it represents our dedication to creating a top-tier educational experience that equips our graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their careers.”
UPIKE has conveyed its enthusiasm for TCDM’s potential, highlighting that the new college will complement the existing colleges of osteopathic medicine and optometry, strengthening its mission to expand healthcare access in the region. As the dental college continues to evolve, its vision of enhancing dental education and access to care in Central Appalachia remains at the forefront. With Keaton’s guidance and the collective efforts of faculty, students and community partners, TCDM is well on its way to becoming a leading institution in dental education and innovation. The future is bright, not only for the college but for the countless patients and communities it will serve.
We are excited about the journey ahead and the positive impact we will have on our community and beyond. - Keaton
