VCU School of Dentistry to Establish Satellite Dental Clinic in Wise County

By Malorie Burkett

The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry will break ground on a satellite dental clinic in Wise County.

The groundbreaking will take place Thursday, Aug. 6 at 12:30 p.m. on the site of the future clinic off of Coeburn Road, adjacent to the UVA Wise Campus.

The facility will consist of a full service, 7,580 square-foot dental clinic and a supporting residential section, which will house dental students. The training of dental students in a “live/work” environment will provide a long-term educational experience in an off-campus setting, while meeting the dental needs of patients in this highly underserved area.

The Virginia General Assembly and a coalition of public and private partners are funding, planning, constructing, and equipping the clinic. The 2008 General Assembly authorized $50,000 for planning, $700,000 for equipment and $5 million for construction.