KINGSTON, R.I. — A Senate-led commission recently concluded that the University of Rhode Island (URI) is ready to open a public medical school on its Kingston campus. Now, Rep. Marie Hopkins, a Republican nurse from Warwick, is urging lawmakers to consider a dental school as well.
“We are hemorrhaging dentists in the state,” Hopkins told the House Committee on Education Tuesday, citing high costs that drive professionals out of Rhode Island. Her bill, H7418, would formally establish medical and dental schools at URI, authorize degree programs, require accreditation, and create partnerships with hospitals, dental clinics, and other health institutions.
Dr. Samuel Zwetchkenbaum, a dentist at Providence Community Health Centers, testified in support of the bill. Rhode Island has only 50 dentists per 100,000 people, well below the New England average of 60 and Massachusetts’ 80. He said the shortage results in longer wait times and limits dentists’ participation in Medicaid or even commercial insurance.
Dental schools, Zwetchkenbaum noted, can also serve as clinics, providing more affordable care for patients, including Medicaid recipients.
Funding remains a key concern. A separate proposal from Rep. Kathleen Fogarty, a South Kingstown Democrat, seeks a $22.5 million general obligation bond to support the medical school. The finance committee has yet to schedule a hearing. Hopkins’ bill does not specify funding but emphasizes the need for careful legislative review.
Hopkins acknowledged potential drawbacks, including skepticism from her own brother, an MD who questions whether Rhode Island could retain doctors after investing heavily. Other lawmakers expressed concerns over prioritizing in-state students and the financial realities of dental practice under Medicaid.
“The problem is, it’s an avalanche,” Hopkins said, describing Rhode Island’s healthcare workforce shortage. “If we move forward, it’s a long game, but we must address our primary care crisis now.”
The legislation was held for further study, a routine step in the early stages of the legislative process.