Touro College of Dental Medicine

In 2016, Touro College of Dental Medicine (TCDM) became the first dental school to open in New York State in nearly 50 years, and the newest member of Touro’s growing family of outstanding healthcare education providers. With an academic environment that is rigorous, engaging and vibrant, TCDM is preparing the next generation for rewarding careers in a top field. Dentistry has been consistently ranked among the top 10 careers in U.S. News & World Report’s 100 Best Jobs survey for salary, employment rate and satisfying work-life balance. Although TCDM is new, the school has attained full accreditation status without reporting requirements and the average scores of incoming students on the Dental Admissions Test are the second highest in New York State.

Students at TCDM are led by esteemed faculty and administrators with unparalleled experience in

dental education, clinical research and patient care. Students begin their training at TCDM’s state-of-the-art, 119-seat simulation lab and transition to providing patient care at Touro Dental Health, the College’s clinical training facility. Touro Dental Health features 115 dental chairs throughout its six general practice clinics and specialty clinics in pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery and complex care. TCDM students, under the supervision of experienced faculty, receive hands-on training while providing comprehensive oral healthcare to adults and children— including the community’s most vulnerable populations who may not otherwise receive necessary dental care.

Housed on the campus of New York Medical College, TCDM offers students opportunities in groundbreaking clinical research and full access to NYMC’s comprehensive medical library.

Located in central Westchester County in Valhalla, New York, the campus features spacious lecture halls, an expansive student lounge with scenic views, a fitness center and a library. Students are welcome to amenities at NYMC, including the campus bookstore and kosher dining hall.

Student life at TCDM is thriving. Whether it is participating in student government or the College’s many student clubs, attending national conferences sponsored by the American Student Dental Association, enjoying membership benefits from the American Dental Education Association, writing for the student magazine, The Tourodont, performing in the a capella singing group, The Chromatic Scalers, or visiting nearby New York City and the scenic Hudson Valley, there is something for everyone.

“Our students are an incredibly accomplished group who will develop into skilled oral healthcare providers. We welcome their energy, enthusiasm and passion as they set forth on this journey,” said Ronnie Myers, DDS, dean of TCDM.

Yujun Wang, DDS

Prosthodontic Resident, Harvard

Touro College of Dental Medicine (TCDM) was on his list of schools, but after the interview process, Yujun Wang moved it to the top. “I will never forget the genuine kindness and attention of one interviewer, in particular,” Wang says. “When he saw I was nervous, he said, ‘Let’s switch. You interview me.’”

Wang was gobsmacked—and grateful. He doesn’t remember what he asked, but he walked away thinking. “I want to go to this school.”

Beyond the faculty, the school itself was impressive. TCDM is the first dental school to open in New York State in 50 years. It is state-of-the-art, from the newest technology to experienced professors who are dedicated to every single student’s success.

The College graduated its first class of 103 students, including Wang, in May 2020. “We were the very first group,” Wang says. “We bonded and we learned, and we loved everything about the school.”

The trifecta of Touro’s technology, teaching and student camaraderie worked. Today, Wang is prosthodontics resident at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Prosthodontists handle dental problems that involve restoring missing teeth. They are highly trained in everything from implants, crowns, bridges and dentures to full mouth reconstruction.

Wang considers prosthodontics a perfect fit for him. Some patients cannot afford dental care so by the time he sees them, they are in pain, missing teeth they’ve pulled out themselves or have no teeth left. “They need me, and I want to help them,” he says.

Recently, he did extensive repairs for a patient. “When all the work was accomplished, I handed her a mirror. She stared at herself for a long time,” he says. “She was so surprised, and she kept smiling at her reflection. I was smiling with her.”