The Ana G. Méndez University (UAGM) is taking a proactive approach to address the shortage of doctors and specialists in Puerto Rico by inaugurating the School of Dental Medicine at its Gurabo facility. This comes at a crucial time as Puerto Rico has one dentist for every 3,304 inhabitants, nearly triple the proportion in the United States, according to recent statistics.
The move to establish the School of Dental Medicine was underscored by the urgent need for oral health professionals in Puerto Rico. Three municipalities – Culebra, Florida, and Maricao – were reported to have no dentists in 2018. Furthermore, 200 dentists were in the process of transferring their licenses to the United States, exacerbating the strain on dental services in the region.
The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) granted initial accreditation for UAGM to launch its doctorate in Dental Medicine, with the first class of 45 students scheduled to begin in August 2024. The curriculum consists of 278 credits spread across 11 academic terms, designed to be completed in four years. The program will be conducted entirely in English.
In addition to the School of Dental Medicine, UAGM will offer two existing programs: an associate degree in Dental Technology and an associate degree in Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions. Plans are already underway to expand the clinic facilities to allow students to provide services to the community in need.
The annual cost of studies at the School of Dental Medicine is estimated at $75,400, with admission applications currently being processed internally at UAGM. The university anticipates attracting students from both Puerto Rico and beyond, with long-term plans to introduce specialties like maxillofacial surgery and prosthodontics.
Despite the challenges posed by the exodus of dentists to the United States, UAGM remains committed to producing and retaining healthcare professionals in Puerto Rico. The university sees the School of Dental Medicine as a vital step towards bolstering the local healthcare workforce and ensuring access to quality dental care for all residents.