State leaders break ground on dental college in Savannah

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Georgia elected officials stopped by the Coastal Empire Wednesday for a groundbreaking on a medical facility that could significantly improve access to care.

With the support of state leaders like Governor Brian Kemp and House Speaker Jon Burns, major universities are teaming up to create the Dental College of Georgia Savannah right in the heart of Georgia Southern Armstrong Campus.

State elected officials visited Georgia Southern’s Armstrong Campus to celebrate the ground breaking of Dental College of Georgia Savannah.

“We are in essence bringing brighter smiles to Savannah today,” said Russell T. Keen, Augusta University President.

With the $178 million investment, officials are reinforcing their goal of advancing local healthcare.

“This campus will also be a great benefit for Savannah and the surrounding communities with the clinic providing care for patients in this area,” said Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.

Georgia ranks 46th in dental providers per capita, leaving 18 counties without any dentists.

“To have this on our campus in what’s going to be a building of immense size and importance and provide clinical care to so many of the residents within our region,” said Kyle Marrero, Georgia Southern University President.

Leaders remain focused on keeping medical students in Georgia during and after graduation.

“That is why we have made pursuing these career paths more accessible through both legislation and major strategic investments like the one that we will build with this facility,” said Kemp.

The new school will educate 50 additional dentists annually addressing the access to care in the Coastal Empire.

“So it’s going to change lives in many ways for the education we can provide to Georgians who want to work and live and stay in Georgia,” said Keen.

The major facility plans to open in 2028 and will support more than 400 jobs.