History of the UMMC School of Dentistry

Established in March 1973, the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry hired its first dean in January 1974, and enrolled its first class in September 1975. For 30 years, the school has met its legislated missions of educating general dental practitioners for Mississippi, providing continuing education for the state's dental health professionals, conducting dental research and providing dental service for the state.

School of Dentistry graduates comprise approximately 40 percent of the active practicing dentists in Mississippi, while more than 70 percent of the school's graduates practice in Mississippi. Two postdoctoral programs - a general practice residency with six residents and an advanced education in general dentistry with five residents - strongly support and enhance the school's missions.

Current enrollment in the only dental school in Mississippi stands at 120 students, each of whom join the school's outstanding faculty and staff in their commitment to serving the state and the dental profession.