A bill introduced by Senator Bill Stanley aimed at exploring the possibility of establishing a dental school in Southern Virginia has advanced in the state legislature.
SB 1478, which was presented to the Senate Rules Committee on Friday, seeks to address the growing shortage of dentists in the western part of Virginia by investigating the feasibility of relocating a dental school to the region.
The bill is a direct result of recommendations from the 2024 Rural Health Work Group, a task force established to find solutions for healthcare access in rural areas.
Stanley, representing the region, highlighted the lack of dental professionals in the western part of the state and proposed that state-owned buildings, including those at the New College Institute (NCI) in Martinsville, could be repurposed for the new school.
He emphasized that such a move would not only provide a much-needed service to the region but would also save the state millions in construction costs compared to building a new facility from scratch in Richmond.
During his presentation, Stanley made a compelling case for the proposal. He stated, "I am told that a new building will cost at least $400 million and years to build in downtown Richmond, when we have ready state-owned buildings like the Baldwin Building [at NCI] that is paid for and ready to go." The senator argued that moving a dental school to Southern Virginia would be a significant win for the region and align with the goals of the Rural Health Work Group.
Stanley’s push for a dental school is a collaborative effort, with Delegate Eric Phillips, R-Henry County, backing the initiative with a companion bill, HB 2778, in the House of Delegates.
The idea of a dental school in the western part of Virginia is not a new one. In 2012, Bluefield University announced plans to open a dental school in Tazewell County, but the project was abandoned two years later due to lack of funding.
Stanley’s bill represents a renewed push for the region’s healthcare infrastructure, particularly in addressing the shortage of dental professionals in rural areas.
On Friday, the bill moved to the Senate Finance Committee for further evaluation of the costs and practicalities of the proposal.
The unanimous vote to "report and re-refer" the bill indicates growing support for the project, though its future will depend on a more in-depth financial assessment.
If the bill ultimately passes, it could lead to the establishment of the first dental school in Southern Virginia, with the potential to provide long-term benefits for healthcare access in the region and attract new opportunities for residents.
For now, all eyes are on the upcoming legislative sessions as Stanley and his colleagues work to advance the bill and secure the necessary funding for the initiative.
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