To open their March 2026 in-person meeting at the UF College of Dentistry, members of the Dean’s Leadership Council received 3D-printed models of the Dental Science Building addition, which is set to open in 2028.
These palm-sized models represent something monumental: a $210 million investment in the future of dental education and care. The State of Florida’s commitment to modernizing UFCD’s half-century-old campus is a vote of confidence in the college’s vision and impact.
Taking on a transformation of this scale is not a solo endeavor. It’s one made stronger and more effective by the collective wisdom of alumni who know firsthand what it means to walk UFCD’s halls, and by industry partners who bring a pulse on the latest trends shaping dentistry. Their advocacy and insight ground every decision — whether about resources, curriculum or technology — in real-world needs and opportunities.
“We are at a really pivotal time in the history of our college,” Dean A. Isabel Garcia told council members. “There are many things at decision points, and your guidance will be critical. You are our advisors, looking at it from an unbiased perspective.”
Defining UFCD’s leadership amid an evolving landscape of dentistry
Their spring meeting at the college was a chance for members of the Dean’s Leadership Council to gain a more in-depth understanding of the transformation underway at UFCD and to ask questions about the vision college leadership has for its future. The group also engaged in thoughtful discussion around the key challenges currently shaping dental education and practice today:
A college as strong as its educators
As its physical footprint expands and UFCD steps into a modern era of education, there is an intense focus on fueling a reliable pipeline of high-caliber teaching faculty. More space means more DMD students and residents to train, and the college is committed to continued recruitment of passionate practitioners who can satisfy an increased demand from young people ready to learn the profession.
Balancing common-sense with the cutting-edge
The future of dental technology has already arrived at UFCD, and it includes education that integrates AI-supported diagnostic imaging, 3D-printed materials, virtual reality learning and intraoral scanning technology. We have an ahead-of-the-curve digital advantage in training, care and research. But we understand that wisdom lies in the common sense, evidence-based application of these technologies.
Industry partners on the council emphasized the real employer demand for clinicians who can prioritize critical evaluation of technology to determine when to implement it strategically for the best possible patient outcomes. UFCD is already establishing guardrails to encourage the intentional integration of new technologies in didactic and clinical settings.
Expanding care to close access gaps for vulnerable patients
Every year, UFCD delivers care to patients from every corner of Florida; 67 counties strong. But for many, especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities or complex medical needs, finding a dental home can feel out of reach. Long waitlists and a shortage of specialized care leave families searching for answers. The college’s next chapter is about continuing to close these gaps and working to make sure that no patient is left behind.
Within the next few years, a Personalized Care Center will open its doors inside the forthcoming building addition. Designed to be a sensory-adapted, welcoming space, this center will make individualized and interdisciplinary oral health care accessible for all.
Business acumen as a complement to clinical skill
Clinical competencies aren’t the only prerequisite for success in today’s private practice landscape. Between looming student loans and the day-to-day expectations of managing a private practice, today’s dental students can’t afford to ignore financial literacy and business know-how. These skills directly shape their career options and long-term stability.
That’s why UFCD is reimagining and augmenting its business-bent curriculum, incorporating personal finance, fiscal literacy and practice management into every stage of the DMD program. The goal is to help students build the capacity to run a sustainable private practice and thrive, whatever their next step may be.
Through their influential professional connections and critical, ongoing counsel, members of the UFCD Dean’s Leadership Council will help the college realize the maximal potential of the modern metamorphosis UFCD has begun.
Crucially, they will support UFCD through a private philanthropic campaign strategized to amplify the state’s funding that makes this project possible. The more financial support the college can rally around its ambitious vision, the brighter and more resourced our future will be.