PITTSBURGH, May 29, 2025 --The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, the Education & Training Center at Pitt-Titusville, and Titusville Area Hospital are partnering to establish the Commonwealth’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, dean of the University of Pittsburgh 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 new Regional Training Center 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 University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine Faculty.
The Regional Training Center offers residents of Titusville and the surrounding area the opportunity to enroll in Pitt Dental Medicine’s Dental Hygiene Program or Dental Assistant Training Program. 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.
The Dental Hygiene program is a two-year program that results in a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. (A year of prerequisite courses can be taken at the Education & 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.
“This successful collaboration confirms that the investments made in the ETC are already paying dividends in the Titusville community and will continue to do so far into the future,” said state 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.”
Rick Esch, Pitt-Titusville’s president, said, “We are very excited to collaborate with the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Dental Medicine and Titusville Area Hospital to offer this program in Titusville. 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 University of Pittsburgh 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, please visit the Pitt Dental Medicine Regional Training Centers website.
About the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine:
Pitt Dental Medicine was founded in 1896 and adheres to its mission of improving oral health through teaching, research and service. The school operates general dental clinics and 11 specialty clinics on Pitt’s campus in Oakland, while training its students to care for patients skillfully, professionally and compassionately.
About the Regional Training Centers:
The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and partners in rural communities are working to bring dental care to areas in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that are underserved due to lack of dental professionals. The Regional Training Center in Titusville will be the first such center.
About Titusville Area Hospital:
The Titusville Area Hospital (TAH) is a not-for-profit critical access hospital and outpatient clinics whose goal is to provide quality healthcare services with an emphasis on personal attention, compassion, and respect. TAH was established in 1900 in Titusville, Pennsylvania, and is part of the Meadville Medical Center Health System.
Media contact: HSNews@pitt.edu