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The ADA tells us that five new dental schools are being considered for the US. This after seven schools closed from 1986-2001! Lack of access to dentists, workforce shortages, limited availability for enrollment at dental schools, and a high number of practicing dentists nearing retirement have prompted the proposals.

Two schools are underway, not yet opened, at East Carolina University (Private Univ., Greenville, NC) and Western University of Health Sciences (Public Univ., Ponoma, CA). Others are in the planning stages for Midwestern University (Private Univ., Downers Grove, IL), Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (Public Univ., El Paso, TX), University of Arkansas (Public Univ., Little Rock, AR), University of New England (Private Univ., Portland, ME), and University of Southern Nevada (Private Univ., South Jordan, UT).

Enrollment in dental schools has steadily increased since the mid 1990s, and now there are three applicants for every open seat. Statistics from the ADEA show that 4770 students were accepted in 2007-2008, while 13742 made application.

To read an update on the Universities considering dental schools, see this ADA News article.