First dental college in Arkansas to begin classes
Arkansas' first dental school officially has its inaugural class. The Lyon College School of Dental Medicine's first class of 80 includes students from 17 states - 43% from Arkansas and another 33% from border states, according to the college. Arkansas Democrat Gazette notes that Arkansas ranks last in the nation in overall oral health; a quarter of the state's counties are designated as health professional shortage areas, and 60% of Arkansas children have experienced dental decay, according to Lyon. Arkansas has been the only state with more than 2.5 million people without a dental school. "This is a historic moment for Lyon College and for the state," said Dr. Burke Soffe, founding dean of the dental school. "We are excited to welcome our first cohort of students, who will help shape the future of oral health care in Arkansas and beyond, (and) we've intentionally built a dynamic class of student leaders who are passionate about improving oral health in their communities."
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