6/2/2025
PITTSBURGH — The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, the Education and Training Center at Pitt-Titusville and Titusville Area Hospital are partnering to establish the state’s first Regional Training Center to offer dental training and care in rural Pennsylvania communities.
According to a recent study, nearly 25 million Americans live in areas where there are not enough dentists to serve the needs of the population.
“In Pennsylvania, more than 1.5 million residents live in areas facing a dental shortage,” said Marnie Oakley, D.M.D., dean of the Pitt School of Dental Medicine. “We know how hard it is for a dental office to lose a dental hygienist or dental assistant and acknowledge that hardship may be enough for a rural office to make the tough decision to close its doors, leaving many patients without a dental home.”
The center will train general practice dental residents, dental hygienists and dental assistants.
“Pitt Dental Medicine is committed to developing programs to help address the critical decline in dental auxiliaries across the profession. We fully understand the impact of this trend on our profession, especially in rural areas,” Oakley added.
Patients will be able to receive routine dental care at the Regional Training Center beginning in July 2026.
“It is important to us that our alumni and the patients of our communities in Pennsylvania know that we are here to help provide solutions,” said Oakley.
Dental hygiene students will provide dental cleanings, and licensed dentists completing a residency program will provide most other dental care. All residents and students will work under the supervision of Pitt School of Dental Medicine faculty.
“This successful collaboration confirms that the investments made in the Education and Training Center are already paying dividends in the Titusville community and will continue to do so far into the future,” said Pennsylvania Sen. Michele Brooks. “I look forward to seeing how the Regional Training Center and new dental programs enhance the quality of life for residents in the region.”
The Regional Training Center offers residents of Titusville and the surrounding area the opportunity to enroll in two programs. The Dental Hygiene Program is a two-year program that results in a bachelor’s degree from Pitt. A year of prerequisite courses can also be taken at the Education and Training Center at Pitt-Titusville. The Dental Assistant Training Program is a six-month program that trains dental assistants to work in private practice dental offices.
Both are hybrid programs, with classroom training delivered online and clinical training at the Regional Training Center. This hybrid format allows students to complete either program without having to relocate and sets the stage for them to stay in their rural area as they seek employment.
“We are very excited to collaborate with the Pitt School of Dental Medicine and Titusville Area Hospital to offer this program in Titusville,” said Rick Esch, MBA., Pitt-Titusville’s president. “This program will provide the education and preparation students need to become successful dental professionals and will help to enhance access to dental care in our rural communities.”
“Titusville Area Hospital is proud to collaborate with the Pitt School of Dental Medicine and the Education and Training Center at Pitt-Titusville to address the growing need for dental care in our region,” said Lee Clinton, CEO of Titusville Area Hospital. “By expanding our dental services and opening our doors as a clinical training site, we’re not only improving access to care but also helping to develop the next generation of dental professionals who will serve our communities for years to come.”
For information on how to apply to the programs, visit the Pitt Dental Medicine Regional Training Centers website.