Temple University’s Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry, in partnership with the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership, has announced plans to establish its first rural dental education center and clinic in Tamaqua. The initiative was revealed at the PA Oral Health Summit and is intended to address a shortage of dental professionals in Pennsylvania’s rural areas.
Pending approval by Temple University’s Board of Trustees, the proposed facility will feature 24 dental chairs and be located at a former Rite Aid site in downtown Tamaqua. The center will accommodate 20 dental students who will complete their final two years of training there, serving residents from Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne counties. In addition, discussions are underway with Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) to launch a dental hygiene program that would train between six and ten students.
Senator Dave Argall (R-29), who previously chaired a Senate Majority Policy Committee hearing on statewide dental care shortages, commented on the significance of the project: “When we held a Senate hearing in Tamaqua, we heard heartbreaking testimony about families driving hours just to find basic dental care,” said Argall. “We learned that if your dentist retires, it can take months to find a new one. This joint effort between Temple University, LCCC and local and state partners will not only help fill that gap – it will create new jobs, expand health care access and build a lasting foundation for rural health education in Pennsylvania.”
Representative Jamie Barton (R-124) also expressed support: “Pennsylvania is in desperate need of dentists and dental hygienists in our rural counties,” Barton said. “Temple University’s new rural dental school coming to Tamaqua addresses our rural dentist shortage and opens up general dental care in downtown Tamaqua for residents of Schuylkill and surrounding counties.”
Dr. Amid Ismail, dean of the Kornberg School of Dentistry, described the project as the result of extensive planning aimed at bringing quality dental education and services to underserved communities. The center will test a model where students live and study within a rural community for two years while providing comprehensive care—including orthodontics and implant-supported restorations—and creating at least 20 new jobs.
The facility’s development relies on funding from Temple University, various grants at both state and federal levels, private donations, as well as contributions through Tamaqua Borough’s participation in Pennsylvania’s City Revitalization and Improvement Zone program. This program allows tax revenue generated locally to be reinvested into redevelopment projects.
U.S. Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) was acknowledged for his role in advancing the project.
Renovation work on the education center and student housing is expected to begin this year with an anticipated opening date set for September 2026.
