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University of Florida

UF breaks ground on major College of Dentistry building facelift and overhaul


The University of Florida took a major step Thursday toward shaping the future of oral health, celebrating the groundbreaking of a multi-phase project that will completely reimagine the UF College of Dentistry building in Gainesville, funded by a historic investment from the State of Florida.

Once completed, the project will add over 100,000 square feet of modernized teaching, research and patient care space — elevating the experience for students, residents, faculty, staff and patients at Florida’s only public dental school.

“This project represents the largest investment made by the state of Florida in a medical science building at any state university,” said Mori Hosseini, UF Board of Trustees chair. “We fought for this because we understand what it will deliver for our community – for our students, our faculty and families across Florida.”

The multi-phase project begins with a critical infrastructure upgrade to the existing 11-story Dental Science Building. Crews are removing the current brick exterior, sealing the structure to prevent water intrusion and modernizing the building’s façade with a durable panel system that will seamlessly blend with the planned addition, set to commence in August 2026.

“The College of Dentistry faculty and students deserve a space that allows them to focus on the patient, and the patients deserve a building that puts them at ease,” said UF Interim President Donald Landry. “The research done here will be transformative and add to the glory of this institution.”

The project’s final phase breathes new life into the nearly 50-year-old building, transforming its clinical, research and educational halls into leading‑edge environments. By carefully modernizing every room, the college will weave advanced technologies throughout and create flexible, collaborative spaces that elevate every student, resident and faculty experience—turning UF’s history of excellence into tomorrow’s learning frontier.

“The transformation helps ensure that College of Dentistry remains at the forefront of academic distinction education, research, and clinical innovation for decades to come,” said A. Isabel Garcia, D.D.S., M.P.H., dean of the college.

Project highlights:
  • After replacing the building envelope, a process that began in September 2025 with the removal of the existing brick fascia of the 11-floor “dental tower,” a waterproofing and insulation system will then be applied and a modern, durable façade will be installed.
  • A 100,000-square-foot building addition will provide much needed educational and clinical space and a new gateway to UF and the UF Academic Health Center. Work begins in August 2026 with occupancy expected in August 2028.
  •  A renovation of the dental tower will modernize key spaces in the existing building, which was built 50 years ago and is expected to be completed in 2030.
  • The renovation phase will also address a host of critical infrastructure improvements, including electrical, HVAC, roofing systems and safety and security enhancements.