Dear Panther Family,
Georgia State administrators, students and community partners gathered for the ceremonial ribbon cutting of the $6.3 million dental hygiene clinic on our Dunwoody campus. The clinic features twenty dental operatories, radiology/x-ray rooms and clinical laboratories. For students interested in this field of study, it is an ideal career opportunity, offering hands-on experience in a real-world setting. Allowing them to put their classroom knowledge into practice and build confidence in their skills in the field of dental hygiene. I love programs like this that directly impacts our workforce for the city and state, and it also allows Georgia State to shine as the largest institution in the State.
For GSU, the opening of this clinic represents another achievement in the implementation of our newest strategic plan, “Blueprint to 2033: Our Place, Our Time," further expanding our campus and promoting student success. Beyond College to Career is one of the top strategic plan pillars. Through this pillar we seek to enhance our curriculum and facilities that accelerate student’s path to their profession. Our new Dental Hygiene Clinic provides an education, training and health service resource for the Atlanta and Perimeter Campus Community.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the growth rate for dental hygiene positions, over the next 10 years, will increase 7 percent faster than all other jobs nationally. In Georgia, that rate of increase is 16 percent faster, more than double the national average. This means Georgia State plays a vital role in meeting the growing demand for dental hygienists.
The ribbon cutting event was also part of Perimeter College’s 60th anniversary celebration. Perimeter College opened its doors in 1964 as DeKalb College. With 6 decades of success, I cannot think of a better way to celebrate than the opening of a new clinic. We continue the celebration of Perimeter College next week at the 60 years of Pride and Promise-Celebrating through the Arts at the Clarkston Campus.
A special thank you to Dean Barbara Johnson for her ongoing leadership, vision, and commitment to Perimeter College and to this project. And thank you to Regent Cade Joiner, dental hygiene program leaders, professors, staff, students, GSU Facilities Design and Construction team, and local leaders in the Dunwoody community for your support.
All the best,
