Building our Future, Together
More details
- Size & Scale — Five stories, 312,000 square feet.
- Designed by Kahler Slater and Hanbury; to be built by Barton Malow Company.
- Site Preparation — Larrick Student Center demolition scheduled for spring 2027.
- Construction Start — Spring 2027.
- Completion — Anticipated late 2029.
- Strengthening the healthcare workforce — The investment supports the development of the next generation of dental professionals to meet evolving statewide needs.
- Innovation and research growth — New research spaces will accelerate clinical innovation and oral‑health discovery.
- State investment — The General Assembly’s approval and the governor’s signature demonstrates strong statewide confidence in VCU’s role as Virginia’s only dental school.
- Institutional momentum — The project aligns with VCU’s long-term strategy to expand health sciences infrastructure and meet growing demand for clinical and academic capacity.
- Location — Built on the current Larrick Student Center site, the facility will sit at the heart of the health sciences campus, improving integration with VCU Health and accessibility for patients.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who championed and supported a new dental building for the School of Dentistry. Because of your dedication and advocacy, this long-standing vision is now moving forward.”
Jeff Johnson, D.M.D., Ed.D., Interim Dean of the VCU School of Dentistry
“The approval of this new facility reflects a shared commitment to improving access to care for Virginians, strengthening the healthcare workforce and serving communities across our state. This building will elevate dental education, expand clinical training opportunities and ensure we are preparing the next generation of dental professionals to meet the evolving needs of Virginians.”
VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D.
“This new building is really transformative for the Commonwealth of Virginia, for VCU and for our patients, because it puts the learner first... Everything is meant to improve the quality of education, to improve the quality of experiences that our learners have. And in that, we improve patient care.”
Jeff Johnson, D.M.D., Ed.D., Interim Dean of the VCU School of Dentistry
“This new facility represents a monumental leap forward for our students, faculty, staff and community. With a world-class environment for clinical innovation and research, we are ensuring that VCU remains a top destination for the brightest minds in oral health."
Arturo Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Provost
"This new state-of-the-art facility will enable advanced clinical learning environments, ensuring that we can provide exceptional care for our patients while preparing the next generation of dentists and dental hygienists to serve the commonwealth of Virginia."
Jeff Johnson, D.M.D., Ed.D., Interim Dean of the VCU School of Dentistry
"This investment strengthens our bond with the Richmond community and the commonwealth, creating a welcoming space where education, research and compassionate patient care all go hand-in-hand.”
Arturo Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Provost