Leading Jewish Dental School Expands with Cutting-Edge Technology

For Aliza Gettenberg of Lawrence, New York, dentistry is the perfect blend of science, engineering, and artistry. As an observant Jew, she sought a dental school that would not only prepare her for the profession’s digital future but also respect her religious commitments. She found that ideal combination at Touro College of Dental Medicine, where students gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools while learning in a supportive Jewish environment.

Touro’s emphasis on digital dentistry sets it apart. The school, which opened in 2016 as New York’s first new dental program in nearly 50 years, boasts a state-of-the-art digital lab where students use 3D scanners, milling machines, and printers to craft crowns and dental appliances in mere hours instead of days.

“We’re trained not just in technical skills, but in patient empathy and communication,” said Gettenberg.

Dr. Ronnie Myers, dean of Touro’s dental school, emphasized the institution’s forward-thinking approach: “We’ve designed our curriculum around emerging technologies while also providing traditional training for students who may work in practices that aren’t yet digital.”

Beyond its technological prowess, Touro stands out as a top choice for observant Jewish students. The school offers:

• A schedule that accommodates Jewish holidays

• Sabbath-friendly residency programs

• Kosher food and religious services

However, the school’s appeal extends beyond the Jewish community. Touro receives an astounding 2,500 applications annually more than 20% of all U.S. dental school applicants.

To meet growing demand, Touro recently acquired a research center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which will double its class size from 110 to 210 students per year. The first clinical students will begin training at the New Mexico site this June, where they will also have access to kosher facilities and religious services.

Touro’s mission goes beyond education it is deeply rooted in community service. The school’s clinics provide affordable dental care to the underinsured, uninsured, and low-income patients, ensuring that students gain experience while giving back.

“We are here to serve those in need,” said Myers. “That mission is at the heart of everything we do.”

Fourth-year student Uriel Waldman, an Orthodox Jew from West Hempstead, praised Touro’s balance of faith and academics. “At other schools, I would have to make up work missed for Jewish holidays, but at Touro, the schedule is built around them. That makes a huge difference.”

Waldman is also excited about the digital dentistry training, noting, “I’ll be ahead of the game in orthodontics because so much of it now relies on AI and cutting-edge technology.”

Dr. David Katz, Touro’s vice dean, echoed this sentiment: “We will continue to be on the cutting edge of technological innovations in medicine and dentistry.”

Touro also offers a unique Dental Honors Pathway, allowing top students to complete both a bachelor’s and dental degree in just seven years instead of the traditional eight.

“These are highly committed students,” said Myers. “This program saves them time and tuition while accelerating their professional careers.”

With a humanistic learning environment, advanced training, and a commitment to Jewish values, Touro College of Dental Medicine is shaping the future of dentistry one student at a time.

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