New Dental Clinic Brings Smiles to Albuquerque

Touro College of Dental Medicine (TCDM), the first pre-doctoral dental program based in New Mexico, announced the official grand opening of its dental clinical training facility on the Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute (LBRI) campus in Albuquerque. The new 70,000-square-foot facility houses more than 100 dental units accommodating students who will be completing their education and clinical training in New Mexico.

Officially opened to patients at the end of June, TCDM's new clinic had already served close to 1000 residents by the end of September, providing them with high-quality, state-of-the-art, affordable dental care in a part of the country that is sorely lacking oral health care. In fact, New Mexico faces a profound shortage of oral health care professionals and even fewer who accept Medicaid—a primary insurer for nearly 40% percent of New Mexicans. TCDM hopes to change that by educating new dentists in New Mexico—some of whom are likely to plant permanent roots there.

Under the supervision of dental professionals and instructors, students are performing dental examinations and procedures for those in need of treatment. They’re seeing patients who may not be able to afford professional dental work or have the flexibility to wait months for an appointment. “TCDM opened in New Mexico to make a positive difference in the health of New Mexicans of all ages and income levels," said TCDM Dean Ronnie Myers, D.D.S. "It is our mission to provide excellent, affordable dental care services while training outstanding dental professionals who deliver exceptional health care services to diverse communities throughout the state.” 

Just ask Carlos Montoya, who unofficially referred to himself as “patient #2.” In dire need of some "significant” dental care, Montoya was thrilled when he learned that the school was opening near his home.

“I was eager to have my dental work done here as soon as the school opened,” said Montoya. “The students are outstanding—confident, skilled, and dedicated. I’m glad to share my experience and reassure any patient that when they come to Touro, they truly are in excellent hands.”

TCDM broke ground on the new clinic facility in September 2024, and crews worked around the clock to prepare the space for the June 2025 opening.

After a soft opening, where students saw patients in July and August, the clinic cut the opening ribbon in September 2025, just one year after the groundbreaking.

“This facility represents more than new walls and technology," said David Katz, D.D.S., Vice Dean of TCDM. "It is an investment in our students, providing them with the resources and environment they need to excel as future leaders in dentistry. It is a commitment to the patients and communities we serve, ensuring the highest quality of care. And it is a promise that we will continue advancing dental education in New Mexico for years to come.”

The new dental clinic is staffed by experienced dentists and 100 third-year TCDM students.

“These energetic third-year students have formed a powerful bond as we’ve entered this new community,” said Joseph Parkinson, D.D.S., Executive Assistant Dean of TCDM New Mexico. “They have embraced this new community and are excited to give back by providing dental care to their new neighbors.”

Those feelings of community are tangible for the patients.

Trancy Aguirre, a 71-year-old Albuquerque resident, could tell the clinic was a patient-centered facility. “I’ve been to several dentists,” she commented. “But they never treated me like my student dentists treat me at Touro – with love and tenderness.”

The clinic is now fully operational and accepts most insurance, including Medicaid.

Patients are welcomed into Touro Dental with the same enthusiasm the students received when they arrived. “When I come to Touro," said Aguirre, "I feel like family.”