PONCE, Puerto Rico — Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) has opened its first dental clinic, expanding access to oral health care in southern Puerto Rico and enhancing dental training with state-of-the-art technology.
The clinic, located at the university’s School of Dental Medicine, will be staffed by faculty members who provide specialized services in general, pediatric, and endodontic dentistry. The facility is part of a broader effort to improve oral health services and hands-on learning for future dentists. Over time, the clinic plans to offer additional specialties.
The opening comes less than a year after PHSU welcomed its first dental medicine class, marking the launch of Puerto Rico’s first private dental school in over half a century.
“This new clinic reflects our commitment to growth—not only in physical infrastructure but also in the quality and diversity of our academic programs,” said Gino Natalicchio, president of PHSU. “It also contributes to the economic and health development of Ponce and Puerto Rico.”
A major part of the investment includes the introduction of Simodont, a high-tech virtual reality dental training system used by top institutions worldwide. The school invested more than $300,000 in this advanced equipment, which helps students build their manual skills early in their education.
The Simodont units allow students to perform simulated dental procedures using a 3D high-resolution screen. These simulations help students develop precise hand movements and techniques they will later apply with real patients in clinical settings.
Currently, PHSU has four Simodont units. They are already in use by the Class of 2028 and faculty members, with plans to continue use in future academic years.
“The launch of our clinic is a significant milestone for both the university and the community,” said Dr. Noel J. Aymat, dean of the School of Dental Medicine. “It strengthens our mission to educate future oral health professionals while offering affordable, high-quality dental care to the public.”
PHSU’s School of Dental Medicine is the first accredited private dental school in Puerto Rico and the first new dental school to open on the island in more than 50 years.
