LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The University of Louisville is helping more than students on its campuses, it is helping members of the community.

What You Need To Know

  • University of Louisville's School of Dentistry opens a new clinic at the Goodwill Opportunity Center

  • UofL students will work alongside licensed dentists in clinical rotations

  • The pratice will help those with unmet dental needs

  • The Goodwill Opportunity Center is designed to be a "one-stop shop" for medical and dental care

UofL has opened the UofL School of Dentistry practice at the Goodwill Opportunity Center on 28th and Broadway. The new practice is part of Goodwill Industries of Kentuckys new West Louisville Opportunity Center.

“For the School of Dentistry, the definition of student success means entering the workforce as a competent, confident dental professional who practices evidence-based patient care, leads with compassion and has a purpose-driven, service-oriented mindset,” said Gerry Bradley, executive vice president and university provost at UofL.

Designed as a “one-stop shop” for necessary dental and medical care, the Goodwill Opportunity Center i is expected to serve over 50,000 people each year, according to UofL. Its students will get valuable real-life skills to help them once they graduate.

According to a WalletHub study, Kentucky is 43rd in the nation in dental care. Like other UofL community dental practices, the west Louisville practice will help those with unmet dental needs, including those who have medicaid or no dental insurance. The center won’t just serve Goodwill’s clients, it will serve the nine-neighborhood area of west Louisville.

Bradley, is also the former dean of the UofL School of Dentistry, said the new clinic will provide significant benefit for the west Louisville community and help a new generation of dentists who will work alongside licensed dentists in clinical rotations. 

Margaret Hill, interim dean for the School of Dentistry, said that dental care can be truly transformational for patients who need it.

“People looking to enter the workforce and progress in their careers can be aided by taking care of oral health, which can help restore overall health and build confidence, both of which can be barriers to moving forward,” Hill said.

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