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Local Surgeons Pioneering Oral Surgery Residency to Enhance Care in El Paso

El Paso Matters•Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 5:02 PM•Special to El Paso Matters

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A significant donation from High Desert Oral and Facial Surgery is set to transform oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) care in El Paso by establishing a $500,000 endowed professorship at Texas Tech Health El Paso. This funding will support the new OMFS residency program, aimed at addressing the critical shortage of specialists in the region, where one dentist serves nearly 3,000 residents. The program, which began last July, has already attracted national interest, receiving 150 applications for just three positions. Local residents will benefit from improved access to specialized care, reducing the need to travel long distances for treatment.

Key Details: • High Desert Oral and Facial Surgery donated $250,000, matched by Texas Tech Health El Paso. • The residency program aims to train specialists in trauma, reconstructive, and advanced jaw procedures. • El Paso County has a severe shortage of dental health professionals, with one dentist per 2,969 residents. • The program is designed to enhance local care and reduce travel for complex surgeries.

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People & Organizations

University Medical Center of El PasoEl PasoTexas Tech Health El PasoTexas Tech Health El PasoEl Paso Children's HospitalHunt School of Dental MedicineRichard BlackHigh Desert Oral and Facial SurgeryDr. Vernon BurkeRebeca RodriguezGrace GarryKaivon Moradi

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