Touro College of Dental Medicine Announces the Grand Opening of its Dental Clinical Training Facility and Albuquerque Campus
New Mexico’s first pre-doctoral dental educational/clinical facility supports first class of 100 students and provides affordable dental care services to communities across the state
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – September 16, 2025 – Touro College of Dental Medicine (TCDM), the first pre-doctoral dental program based in New Mexico, announces today the official grand opening of its dental clinical training facility on the Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute (LBRI) campus in Albuquerque, N.M. The new 70,000 square foot facility houses more than 100 dental units accommodating students who will be completing their education and clinical training in New Mexico.
“Touro University is one of the leading educators of healthcare and oral health providers in the country. TCDM’s commitment to excellence and its comprehensive training practice in Albuquerque will provide the highest quality of dental education while offering affordable care to the community,” said Touro University President Alan Kadish, M.D. “Our first class of 100 students have begun the next stage of their education in New Mexico and arrive equipped with the extensive knowledge and skills to begin treating patients from the Albuquerque community.”
With thousands of New Mexicans unable to afford dental care, the opening of TCDM’s state-of-the-art dental clinical training facility will allow them to receive oral health care at an affordable price. The students enrolled in the teaching practice, under supervision from dental professionals and instructors, will perform dental examinations and procedures for those in need of treatment who many not be able to afford professional dental work or have the flexibility to wait months for an appointment. “TCDM opens in New Mexico to make a positive difference in the health of New Mexicans of all ages and income levels. It is our mission to provide excellent, affordable dental care services while training outstanding dental professionals who deliver exceptional health care services to diverse communities throughout the state.” said TCDM Dean Ronnie Myers, D.D.S.
It can be difficult to make a dental appointment in New Mexico as the state lags behind the nation in the average number of oral healthcare professionals. Recent studies found that New Mexico has only 48.4 dentists per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 60.8 and considered one of the lowest ratios in the country. As students are more likely to practice where they receive their dental education, graduates here may help improve this ratio.
TCDM is committed to meeting, through significantly lower fees, the needs of underserved, underinsured and uninsured communities and improve oral health care in the areas it serves.
New Mexicans who need oral health care but lack insurance or are unable to pay the current fees associated with professional dental services are encouraged to book an appointment with the clinic by calling (505) 658-8236. “It is an easy process to book an appointment at TCDM as our professionals speak both English and Spanish and schedule examinations to fit the needs of our patients,” said Myers.
With the opening of the dental clinical training facility, the new faculty offers students years of experience in academia and extensive clinical practices including general dentistry and all dental specialties, as well as continuing education opportunities for practicing professionals. “We are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest quality care and our students with the best educational experience. This enables the college to offer a full-range of dental training under one roof, while providing students with hands-on exposure to and training in all dental disciplines and patients the care that they need,” said TCDM Executive Assistant Dean Joseph Parkinson, D.D.S.
The opening of the TCDM in New Mexico is an estimated $40 million investment by Touro University including the property acquisition and construction of the dental college. Positively impacting educational and economic development in Albuquerque and throughout the state. TCDM provides dozens of new high-paying jobs for New Mexicans to support the school and clinic.
“The New Mexico Dental Association welcomes the opening of TCDM’s Albuquerque campus to support the entire New Mexico dental community,” stated Dr. Tom Schripsema, executive director of the New Mexico Dental Association. “We will bring needed care to New Mexico’s diverse communities and look forward to exploring collaboration on our ongoing efforts to educate local students and the next generation of oral health professionals” TCDM’s new dental clinic expands on the success of the organization’s New York campus and offers educational opportunities to students to serve diverse communities. The students in New Mexico receive the same high level of academic support and student services, faculty to student ratios, educational facilities, and clinical experiences.
Touro University and Touro College of Dental Medicine believe that creating a dental and clinical educational facility in New Mexico will deliver necessary dental care to those in need, while also providing local access to New Mexico students interested in becoming dentists and continuing education for current oral health professionals.
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