The Wichita State University Board of Trustees has approved up to $750,000 to fund a comprehensive feasibility study exploring the creation of Kansas’ first dental school. This is inclusive of support from Fort Hays State University, a partner in the project, which aims to address the state’s shortage of dentists, particularly in rural communities.
The study, to be completed by fall 2026, will evaluate the scope, scale and structure of a potential dental school based in Wichita, with a presence in rural Kansas through Fort Hays State. Key areas of focus include cohort size, faculty and staff needs, accreditation requirements, facility planning and potential partnerships with Federally Qualified Health Centers to expand clinical access.
If found feasible, the proposed dental school would be part of Phase II of the Wichita Biomedical Campus. Phase I of the campus is a joint initiative between Wichita State and the University of Kansas to strengthen the state’s health care education pipeline. Phase I — currently under construction in downtown Wichita — is expected to be completed in 2027 and will house health sciences programs from both institutions…