City of Savannah Leaders Celebrate Dental of College of Georgia Savannah Groundbreaking
Monday, May 4th, 2026
This week, state, local, and education leaders joined together on the south side of Savannah to officially break ground on the new Dental College of Georgia Savannah campus.
Mayor Van R. Johnson II, City Manager Jay Melder, District 6 Alderman Kurtis Purtee, and members of Team Savannah celebrate what this project means for the city’s future in education, opportunity, and access to care.
"Savannah is the greatest city on earth, and projects like this are exactly why,” said Mayor Johnson. “The addition of DCG Savannah doesn’t just enhance today's landscape, it strengthens our future. It reinforces our position as a leader in education, innovation, and opportunity across this region and state. We are proud to welcome DCG Savannah, and the faculty and students who will live, learn, teach, and invest in our community.”
Melder and Purtee were on site as Governor Brian Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp, Speaker of the House Jon Burns, University of Georgia System Chancellor Sonny Perdue, Augusta University President Dr. Russell T. Keen, and Georgia Southern University President Dr. Kyle Marrero, officially “turned dirt” on the project.
“This is an investment that will pay off for generations,” said Melder. “The future of DCG Savannah is directly tied to the future prosperity of our city and the health our residents. We’re committed to doing everything we can to support its success.”
The impact will be significant, as this expansion will strengthen DCG’s ability to educate and grow Georgia’s oral health workforce, helping meet the rising demand for dental care across the state. The Savannah collaboration aims to serve the growing southeast Georgia region, projected to see 20-30% population growth over the next decade.
Upon completion, it will support more than 400 jobs, and train dozens of new dentists each year—helping meet the growing demand for dental care across Georgia and right here in the Coastal Empire. By training students in Savannah, the program also helps build a long-term pipeline of professionals who can live, work, and serve in this community.
“I love that this is coming to Southside,” said Alderman Purtee. “This is about access. It’s about opportunity. And it’s about making sure our residents, and our region, have the resources they deserve. Having students train here and serve here can truly be a game-changer.”
The new campus will be located at 11935 Abercorn Street and will bring new energy, investment, and opportunity to the area while building on Savannah’s strong tradition of education, service, and community impact.
Construction is expected to be completed in 2028.
