Yeshiva University is expanding its health sciences programme with the launch of a new College of Dental Medicine in Herald Square, marking the first new dental school in New York City in more than a century. The school introduces an accelerated, patient-focused model for clinical training and dental education, setting a fresh standard for preparing the next generation of dental leaders.
The College of Dental Medicine (YUCDM) will be housed in a historic, newly reimagined 10-storey building at Herald Square, placing advanced dental education at the heart of Manhattan’s academic, medical and civic life. The facility combines state-of-the-art technology, digital imaging, 3D printing, clinical instruction and progressive learning spaces to support hands-on education and large-scale collaboration.
Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and registered with the New York State Education Department (NYSED), YUCDM will admit 150 students annually from Jul 2026. The school offers an accelerated three-year Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) programme, reducing the traditional four-year timeline while maintaining rigorous academic and clinical training. This allows students to enter the profession sooner and lowers the financial burden of an additional year of tuition and living costs, without compromising quality.
The curriculum prioritises clinical readiness from day one, integrating academic rigour, practical experience and a commitment to service. By rethinking dental education, YUCDM aims to expand the pipeline of highly trained clinicians in New York State and help shape the future of dental education nationwide.
“The launch of Yeshiva University’s College of Dental Medicine is a defining moment for healthcare education in New York City and beyond,” said Rabbi Dr Ari Berman, president of Yeshiva University. “By establishing the city’s first new dental school in over a century, we are advancing a bold vision of clinical excellence, innovation and leadership—educating dentists who will shape the future of their profession with skill, values and a deep sense of responsibility to their communities.”
Central to YUCDM is Yeshiva Dental Health, a 130-chair clinical training facility. The clinic will serve hundreds of patients daily while providing students with sustained, early exposure to real-world practice. This reflects YU’s commitment to community service and expanding access to dental care in a city where many residents face barriers to treatment.
Expanding YU’s health sciences footprint
The YUCDM occupies the iconic Herald Centre building at the corner of 34th Street and Broadway, originally built in 1902 as the flagship Saks department store. Its transformation into a centre for dental education forms part of a broader investment in revitalising Midtown through academic presence, public health outreach, and professional training.
“I am incredibly proud to lead this remarkable effort,” said Dr Edward Farkas, founding dean of the College. “Our innovative three-year curriculum, integrated with state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on excellent patient care, will prepare students for leadership in dental practice in 2040 and beyond.”
“This is an important moment for Yeshiva University and for New York City,” added Dr Selma Botman, provost and vice-president for academic affairs. “The College of Dental Medicine reflects YU’s high academic standards and its longstanding commitment to using education as a force for public good.”
The dental school is the newest addition to Yeshiva University’s expanding portfolio of graduate health sciences programmes, which includes occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, speech-language pathology, and a fast-track nursing programme launched in Autumn 2024. Collectively, these initiatives position the University as a growing force in healthcare education with an innovative, service-oriented focus.
The College’s establishment has been generously supported by major philanthropists, including a $15m leadership gift from Morris Bailey and Joseph L Jerome of JEMB Realty Corporation.
Dentistry remains one of the nation’s top careers. According to US News & World Report, it has ranked among the “Top 10 Best Jobs” for six consecutive years, and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8% growth in the field, with over 10,000 new positions expected by 2028.
