Founding a new dental school at Nova Southeastern University

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Dental Public Health

Background:

• The university sought to enhance its Health Professions Division (HPD) by establishing a dental school.
• Existing community assessments indicated a growing patient pool and a significant need for dental services among underserved populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and strategic rationale for founding a new dental school.
• To integrate dental education within the existing HPD structure and address community health needs.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of patient pool data and community health needs assessments.
• Review of financial projections, including proforma and cash flow budgets.
• Evaluation of university infrastructure and administrative support for new health professions schools.

Main Results:

• Identified an increasing patient pool with a clear need for dental care among underserved groups.
• Financial projections indicated project stability, with the university capable of absorbing initial capital costs.
• The university possessed a robust infrastructure and a successful history with tuition-dependent health programs.

Conclusions:

• The establishment of a dental school was deemed a viable and prestigious addition to the university's HPD.
• The initiative aligned with identified community needs and supported by strong financial and infrastructural resources.