Debate Heats Up Over New Dental College Campus in Savannah

News Summary

The establishment of a new Dental College campus in Savannah, with a budget of $178 million, faces scrutiny regarding its necessity and planning. Local dentists express concerns over fiscal responsibility and the lack of a comprehensive plan, particularly in addressing current shortages. Critics argue that without addressing existing challenges, the new campus may not be beneficial to the community. Instead, many advocate for alternative solutions aimed at enhancing dental care access.

Debate Heats Up Over New Dental College Campus in Savannah

In Savannah, buzzing conversations swirl around plans for a new Dental College campus, with a hefty price tag of $178 million. The campus is set to be developed at Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong campus, following an announcement released in January 2024. However, as more details emerge, the road ahead seems rocky, marked by questions of transparency and local involvement.

The Missing Study

When requests for a site selection study—critical in justifying such a large investment—came in, stakeholders were left empty-handed. The community is understandably frustrated as local dentists voice their concerns around fiscal responsibility. They are not just questioning the need for a new campus, but they are also highlighting the absence of a solid plan that outlines where this significant funding will go.

The State of Dentistry in Georgia

The administration, via Augusta University, did offer a funding support document. However, specifics regarding site selection or a thorough business plan were noticeably missing. According to the Deputy Press Secretary for the governor, the funds were allocated based on a study from December 2022 by Tripp Umbach, which highlights a statewide need for more dentists, especially in rural locales. But when it comes to needing a second campus, the study did not deem it necessary.

Intriguingly, while the report emphasizes the lack of dental professionals, it classified Chatham County—home to Savannah—as having only some areas recognized as shortage zones. Consequently, this categorization means Savannah doesn’t even meet the state’s requirements to be defined as a rural county.

Community Skepticism

Amid the uncertainty, a collective of dental professionals recently gathered online to dissect the plans. They voiced their reservations about opening a second campus without first addressing existing challenges, such as the faculty shortage that hangs over the Augusta campus, currently burdened by 22 open positions.

With the average student graduating with nearly $300,000 in dental debt, many worry this financial burden inhibits new graduates from practicing in underserved areas. Instead, the local dental community feels that more innovative solutions are necessary if Georgia truly wants to enhance access to dental care.

Legislative Concerns

Some state legislators and organizations have chimed in, expressing disappointment over perceived lack of consultation in the decision-making process regarding the new campus. Discussions about the need for more dentists have been ongoing since 2022, yet many felt the announcement of this approach was unexpected and not well communicated.

Potential for Change

As questions loom large, local dentists foresee that the new school might not tackle the underlying issues—those persistent faculty shortages and how resources are allocated. There’s a widespread fear that creating another campus could inadvertently lead to inefficiencies rather than an increase in effective care.

However, with Hyundai’s new economic development project in the area, there is a silver lining—the potential increase in the patient base could benefit from an augmented workforce. But there are still significant worries regarding the affordability of student housing in Savannah, particularly as the cost of living continues to rise, adding to student debt woes.

Calls for Alternative Solutions

Rather than pushing forward with the building of a new campus, some stakeholders argue for alternative strategies, such as funding existing clinics in underserved areas. This approach could open paths for students to gain clinical experience while simultaneously increasing healthcare access, all in a more efficient and responsive way.

The Path Ahead

As discussions proceed, it’s clear Savannah is at a crossroads. The hopes for enhancing dental education must align closely with actual community needs. The next steps from here will be crucial in determining if the proposed new dental college can live up to its promises, or if it will simply add more questions to an already complicated picture.

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Additional Resources

• Savannah Now: Site Selection Study Missing
• Savannah Now: Kemps Funding Concerns
• WSAV: Gov. Kemp Proposes $178M for Dental School
• Grice Connect: Medical Students Journey
• Wikipedia: Dentistry