Amherst, N.Y.-based Daemen University is partnering with Todd Shatkin, DDS, to open a dental school that will alleviate a shortage of dental professionals in the area, Buffalo News reported April 4.
The proposed Shatkin College of Dentistry would be the second dental school in the Buffalo Niagara region, following the University at Buffalo's School of Dental Medicine.
It is estimated that New York will have 1,024 fewer full-time dentists than are needed by 2025.
Dr. Shatkin, of Shatkin Dental Health in Amherst, will invest $6 million to $7 million into the new college, while Daemen University will cover operating costs and funnel $500,000 into upgrading its anatomy labs.
The school would offer a year-round, three-year degree program instead of the typical four years. It would also offer graduating high school students the opportunity to get their bachelor’s degree in biology from Daemen University in three years and their DDS in another three years, which would allow them to become dentists in six years instead of eight.
The school began working with Dr. Shatkin on plans for the school more than two years ago. They have submitted an application for accreditation to the Commission on Dental Accreditation and the New York State Education Department. If accepted, the dental school will open in fall of 2023 and accept 40 students per year.