Lyon College School of Dental Medicine to partner with Arkansas Children’s

Lyon College School of Dental Medicine, Arkansas’ first and only dental school, has partnered with Arkansas Children’s to improve pediatric dental services and clinical education. The affiliation, announced earlier this month, will merge Lyon’s administrative oversight and faculty expertise with Arkansas Children’s established dental programs, including hospital-based care, mobile units, and school-based initiatives. Arkansas Children’s operates a comprehensive dental program serving hundreds of thousands of pediatric patients across the region. Lyon College will provide faculty support and training supervision, while Arkansas Children’s will offer clinical education opportunities for Lyon’s dental students. Both institutions will collaborate on research, continuing education, and expanding high-quality dental services. The partnership aligns with Lyon’s mission to make dental education affordable and accessible while addressing Arkansas’ healthcare needs. Arkansas Children’s President and CEO Marcy Doderer emphasized the importance of academic collaborations in advancing pediatric healthcare, noting this affiliation complements existing ties with UAMS and the Alice Walton School of Medicine. Dr. Burke Soffe, Lyon’s founding dean, highlighted the partnership’s benefits, stating it will expose students to diverse clinical settings and expand statewide dental access. The affiliation begins July 1, 2026, with both organizations remaining independent non-profit entities. This collaboration aims to strengthen Arkansas’ pediatric dental workforce while ensuring high-quality care for children across the state.