The renovations come as part of a $26 million renovation of ETSU’s Lamb Hall.
At the end of October, East Tennessee State University cut the ribbon on its newly renovated Sturgill Family Dental Hygiene Clinic. The clinic was renamed for the Sturgill family. Jeremiah and Riley are a married couple who are both dentists, and together own Sturgill Orthodontics and Sturgill Endodontics.
According to an article on East Tennessee State University’s website, President Dr. Brian Noland said of the Sturgill family and the newly renovated clinic, “This moment not only encapsulates our pride in the program’s 50-plus-year history, but also our gratitude and admiration for the Sturgill family, whose commitment to dental health and education, both inside and outside the clinic, has made a meaningful impact for the people of our region and beyond.”
The renovations of the Dental Hygiene Clinic include fresh paint and lighting, new student lounge, new reception area and workspaces, updates to the sterilization area, and new x-ray mannequins, sensors, and chairs.
Historically, the Dental Hygiene program at East Tennessee State University has a 100% job placement rate. The students passed the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam at a rate of 96% in 2023. The high level of success within the program, coupled with the renovation, will bring about a new era for the program. Students who take part in East Tennessee State University’s Dental Hygiene program have the opportunity to serve 1,600 people in the community through the clinic.
Dr. Lynn Williams, who is the interim dean of the College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences, said of the ribbon cutting ceremony, “As we cut the ribbon on the Sturgill Family Dental Hygiene Clinic at East Tennessee State University, we celebrate more than just bricks and mortar. We celebrate a commitment to oral health and a pledge to community partnerships.”
For more information about East Tennessee State University, visit the school’s website.