A.T. Still President Jack Magruder announced the proposed dental school program in Kirksville will "move forward" this morning in a press conference. The A. T. Still Board of Trustees unanimously supported bringing a branch of the school to Kirksville.
Magruder said he anticipates 45 students will make up the first class and will enter the program in Fall 2013 and graduate in May 2017. He estimated the dental program will bring approximately 105 families to Kirksville.
Magruder said that the board eliminated Orlando from the possible locations for the dental school. However, he said that San Diego is still "live and well in our pursuit," which would have no effect on whether the Kirksville school will be implemented.
Students of the dental program will be working closely with Community Health Centers in Northeast Missouri including one in Kirksville. The program is planned to also partner with CHCs in Sikeston, Jefferson City, Sedalia, Springfield and St. Louis. CHCs in other states have asked the program for their partnership.
"It really goes to the heart of what we've identified has priorities in our plan to increase our service to the underserved, and we will be working with community health centers," said Michael McManis, vice president for planning.
"We further encourage President Magruder to take the necessary steps to move this important project forward," said Dr. Carl G. Bynum on the phone from Mesa, Ariz. "We also advise the president that capital requests must be approved by the board and that the program must achieve accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association."
Once capital requests are made and the program receives accreditation, ATSU will continue building plans for the new dental facilities and hire a vice dean, Magruder said.
"A dental program on the Kirksville campus of ATSU is perfectly aligned with the mission of the University and the vision of the Board to address an unmet patient need in Missouri and to serve rural locations and underserved populations," Magruder said.
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon sent the following statement to the press conference:
"I am extremely pleased that the A.T. Still University Board of Trustees has decided to bring a branch of its school of dentistry and oral health to Kirksville. When it comes to higher education, Kirksville is truly a center of excellence in Missouri, and this new dental program will add to that existing strength. A.T. Still University has a long history of educating outstanding medical professionals and providing care to individuals in need. We are proud to have this fine institution expanding here in Missouri. I congratulate the A.T. Still University Board of Trustees, President Magruder, and the people of Kirksville for taking this important step forward for our state."
The nonprofit, independent organization, Community Friends for ATSU Dental, collected approximately 700 donations totaling more than $1 million to support the local program.
"I think that those that gave and demonstrated their support, however small or however large the amount, says that they believe in the mission, they believe in the success of the possibility and want to see this happen," said Community Friends co-chair, Renae Brayton.
Magruder said since he moved to Kirksville when he was eight years old he had "never, ever sensed the cooperative spirit we have from Kirksville Public Schools, Moberly Area Community College, Truman State University and A.T. Still."
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