The January edition of the television program hosted by Senator Dave Argall (R-29) highlights two healthcare initiatives and a proposed cellphone policy for Pennsylvania public schools. One of the main topics is Temple University’s School of Dentistry establishing its first rural dental education center and clinic in Tamaqua, set to open in September 2026. The facility will be located at a former Rite Aid on Route 309 and will include nearby student apartments.
Senator Argall and Representative Jamie Barton (R-124) reviewed the project during the 2025 Pennsylvania Oral Health Summit. The new center will feature 24 dental chairs and accommodate 20 dental students who will complete their final two years of training while living in downtown Tamaqua. These students are expected to provide dental services to residents from Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne counties.
“This project will serve as a historic step in addressing Pennsylvania’s growing shortage of dental professionals ─ especially in rural areas,” Argall said. “The facility will host 20 dental students who will complete their final two years of training in downtown Tamaqua, living in nearby apartments and providing critical dental services for residents of Schuylkill, Carbon and Luzerne counties.”
Another initiative discussed is bipartisan legislation sponsored by Argall that would allow high school juniors and seniors to earn graduation credits through work or volunteer service in licensed care settings that provide round-the-clock care for elderly individuals. Senate Bill 116 was unanimously approved by the Senate Education Committee at its most recent meeting.
“Too many families, including my own, have faced the difficult decision of moving a parent or grandparent into a long-term care center,” Argall said. “The professionals who provide their care are facing increasing challenges because of workforce shortages. This bill introduces students to careers in long-term care as they prepare to enter the workforce.”
Additionally, during this committee meeting, Senate Bill 1014—referred to as the “bell-to-bell phone-free schools” bill—was also passed unanimously with bipartisan support. If enacted, this legislation would require all public schools in Pennsylvania to become phone-free zones during school hours except for medical needs, English language translation assistance, or teacher-approved instructional purposes.
Argall represents Pennsylvania’s 29th District covering parts of Luzerne, Carbon, and Schuylkill counties (official website). He has led legislative efforts focused on education funding reform and community revitalization (official website). His district includes more than one hundred municipalities across northeastern Pennsylvania (official website).
This episode of The Argall Report is available online at www.senatorargall.com/argallreport.
