Idaho Lawmakers Appropriate $1 Million for New Dental Clinic at Idaho State University-Meridian Health Science Center

The Idaho Legislature has adopted legislation that will provide $1 million for an advanced dental residency clinic in Meridian.

House Bill 711, which was recently signed by Gov. Otter, contains funding for construction at Idaho State University’s new health science center in Meridian.

It will be early July before university officials know the exact amount the state will award for the project, according to Kent Kunz, ISU government relations director.

“This appropriation represents a deep commitment on the part of lawmakers and Gov. Otter to help ISU provide dental education and research to improve oral care for all Idahoans,” said ISU President Arthur C. Vailas.

The advanced residency clinic—which is being funded in part by a $500,000 gift from Delta Dental of Idaho Community Outreach—is set to open in 2011 at the ISU-Meridian Health Science Center and will serve patients who have limited income or no dental insurance.

The clinic will include 12 treatment rooms, an X-ray and sterilization lab, faculty offices, a waiting room and reception area.

In 2005, ISU expanded its advanced dental residency program to the Treasure Valley, admitting four licensed dentists each year to complete an intense 12-month training program in advanced dentistry techniques and procedures.

ISU’s current dental residency clinic is located in east Boise, but will close when the new clinic opens. University officials say moving the dental clinic to the ISU-Meridian Health Science Center will be more convenient for patients and enhance learning opportunities for students.