LITTLE ROCK — Lyon College marked a historic milestone today with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine, the first dental school in the state of Arkansas. The event at the school’s Riverdale campus was celebrated with a symbolic sledgehammer strike, marking the official start of renovations for the new dental school.
"The Lyon College School of Dental Medicine will be a beacon of innovation and excellence, providing comprehensive dental education and services. We will feature an onsite clinic offering high-quality dental care to the community, including specialized services for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with special needs. This clinic will not only serve as a training ground for our students but also as a vital resource for the citizens of Arkansas, ensuring access to essential dental care,” said Dr. Burke Soffe, founding dean of the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine.
"Our innovative three-year curriculum is designed to accelerate learning while maintaining the highest standards of dental education. Upon receiving approval from the Commission on Dental Accreditation, we eagerly anticipate welcoming our inaugural class of 80 students. These students will be the pioneers of a new era in dental education in Arkansas, benefiting from high-quality facilities and a curriculum that emphasizes both academic rigor and practical experience. Our goal is to cultivate a new generation of dental professionals who are not only skilled clinicians but also compassionate caregivers dedicated to improving oral health outcomes across the state."
Dr. Melissa Taverner, president of Lyon College, expressed her appreciation for the team behind this historic project.
“This moment represents an incredible achievement for Lyon College and the state of Arkansas. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our board of trustees, Dr. Soffe, and all of our faculty and staff who are making this school a reality. Their dedication and hard work have turned a vision into reality, setting the stage for a transformative impact on dental education and healthcare in our state. Together, we are making history and paving the way for future generations of dental professionals in Arkansas. I especially want to thank the City of Little Rock, the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce and the many other local organizations for their constant support and efforts to make this possible.”
U.S. Sen. John Boozman praised Lyon College's efforts and the broader impact of the dental school.
“Establishing a school of dental medicine is an investment in the future of Arkansas. This institution will expand access to dental care by training the next generation of dental professionals to serve our communities. I am particularly proud of Lyon College's enthusiasm toward achieving this dream,” Sen. Boozman said.
Earlier this year, Sen. Boozman championed a $15 million federal appropriation to the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine to address the shortage of dental professionals in Arkansas. Including the 50 states and Puerto Rico, Arkansas ranked 50th in the United States – ahead of only Alabama – in the number of dentists per capita with 41.82 per 100,000 residents in 2019, according to the National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine.