Arkansas’ first dental school has reached another historic milestone as the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine welcomed its second incoming class while simultaneously opening its new patient care clinic in Little Rock, further strengthening the state’s effort to improve access to oral health care across Arkansas and the Mid-South.
The arrival of the Class of 2029 marks continued growth for the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine, which was created to address Arkansas’ shortage of dentists and expand opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in oral health care.
Located in Little Rock’s Riverdale neighborhood, the school’s new patient care clinic will serve as a centerpiece of the three-year Doctor of Dental Medicine program, allowing students to gain hands-on clinical experience while providing much-needed dental services to patients throughout the region.
“This is a wonderful moment for Lyon College and for the state,” said Dr. Burke Soffe, founding dean of the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine. “We are excited to welcome our second class of students, who will help shape the future of oral health care in Arkansas and beyond.”
Building Arkansas’ Future Dental Workforce
College officials say approximately 35 percent of the incoming Class of 2029 calls Arkansas home, while 51 percent have significant ties to the Natural State. Another 43 percent come from neighboring states, reinforcing Lyon College’s commitment to educating dental professionals who are likely to practice throughout Arkansas and the surrounding region.
The incoming class represents a diverse group of future health care providers.
Among the highlights:
14 first-generation college students
Two active-duty military members or military dependents
Students ranging in age from 20 to 35
Average student age of 24 years old
Officials say those varied life experiences will help students better understand and serve patients from all backgrounds.
“We have intentionally built a dynamic class of student leaders who are passionate about improving oral health in their communities,” said Dr. Jennifer Daniels, associate dean of student affairs and admissions.
“They bring a wide range of academic, professional and personal experiences, but they share a commitment to service and expanding access to quality dental care.”
Students Arrive With Thousands of Hours of Experience
Members of the Class of 2029 already bring an impressive amount of health care experience before beginning dental school.
According to Lyon College:
More than 70 percent have worked or volunteered in dental clinics.
Forty-six students already possess clinical dental experience.
Collectively completed nearly 19,700 hours of dental shadowing.
Logged more than 42,100 volunteer hours.
Average science GPA: 3.5
Average Dental Admission Test score: 420
Highest DAT score: 510
College leaders say those experiences demonstrate the students’ commitment to serving others while preparing them for the rigorous academic and clinical demands of dental school.
Arkansas Students Well Represented
The Class of 2029 includes students from across Arkansas, including:
Mason Baltz — Pocahontas
Paul Betts — Jonesboro
Anna Bradford — North Little Rock
John Robert Burson — El Dorado
Bella Cates — Garfield
Liam Cook — White Hall
Ayden Cuzzort — Batesville
Morgan Dailey — Little Rock
Isaac Devine — Maumelle
Macey Evans — Conway
Acey Fahr — Paragould
Jenna Harper — Bryant
Lia Hendrix — Jonesboro
Christopher Henley — Springdale
Spencer Honeycutt — Jonesboro
Aubrey Isbell — Conway
Ella Jenkins — Little Rock
Shurelle Johnston — Cabot
Luke King — Hazen
Ann Masters — Fayetteville
Taylor Michie — Conway
Kinley Oholendt — Bryant
McKinzee Rainbolt — Sheridan
Anne Rainey — Russellville
Amrusha Ranjith — Bentonville
Nicolas South — Paragould
Tommy Sproles — Little Rock
Tessa Williams — Piggott
Rana Nesibe Yelen — Little Rock
Students also come from California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Washington, giving the school a broad geographic reach while maintaining a strong Arkansas identity.
Three-Year Dental Program Focuses on Service
The Lyon College School of Dental Medicine offers an accelerated three-year Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program that combines classroom instruction, advanced simulation laboratories and extensive clinical education.
The college says its mission extends beyond educating dentists by emphasizing service to communities with limited access to oral health care, particularly rural areas throughout Arkansas.
The newly opened patient care clinic will allow students to begin treating patients under faculty supervision while increasing dental care access for underserved populations.
Founded in 1872, Lyon College is Arkansas’ oldest college operating under its original charter and continues expanding its health sciences offerings to address workforce needs across the state.
For more information about the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine, visit the college’s website.
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