Temple University’s Kornberg School of Dentistry has announced plans to open a new dental clinic and education center in Tamaqua, a rural community in Schuylkill County, aiming to improve access to oral healthcare in underserved areas.
The project was formally approved during the public session of the university’s Board of Trustees meeting on Jan. 28. The facility, located at 205 Center St., is scheduled to open this fall.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns over rural access to dental care. A recent study by the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health found that 40% of adults living in rural areas have not visited a dentist in more than a year, increasing the risk of serious long-term health problems.
“Part of what makes Temple so special is our continued commitment to serving the community and meeting them where they are,” Temple President John Fry said. He added that the Tamaqua clinic is expected to deliver benefits similar to those seen at Temple’s dental clinic in North Philadelphia.
The clinic will serve as both a treatment facility and a training site. Ten third-year and ten fourth-year Kornberg dental students will complete their final two years of education there, providing comprehensive care to patients from Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne counties under the supervision of licensed dentists. Temple will also lease nearby housing at 24 W. Broad St. for the students.
Local officials welcomed the announcement, citing both healthcare and economic benefits. State Sen. Dave Argall said the project would help address appointment shortages, create at least 20 family-sustaining jobs, and contribute to downtown revitalization in Tamaqua.
Amid Ismail, dean of the Kornberg School of Dentistry, described the clinic as a milestone for the school’s mission to deliver patient-centered, evidence-based care while addressing rural healthcare challenges across Pennsylvania.
Funding for the project has been provided by a mix of public and private partners, including the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Tamaqua City Revitalization and Improvement Zone, and the Morgan Foundation.
The Tamaqua clinic reflects Temple University’s broader strategy to expand its impact beyond the Philadelphia region. It also aligns with the university’s newly released strategic plan, Forward with Purpose, which emphasizes place-based partnerships to support underserved communities throughout the commonwealth.