Meharry Medical College to Establish Dental Clinic in Paducah, Kentucky
The Paducah City Commission has approved an agreement with Meharry Medical College to develop a faculty dental clinic at 1034 Walter Jetton Boulevard, bringing increased access to dental care to the region. The clinic will prioritize serving patients regardless of their ability to pay.
Expanding Access to Dental Care
At a meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the Paducah City Commission approved the agreement, marking the first phase of a larger project to expand Meharry Medical College’s presence in Paducah. Dr. Eddie Hamilton, who presented the project to the commission, emphasized the clinic’s commitment to accessibility.
“We will notice everyone, regardless of your ability to pay. We’ll find a way to see you,” Hamilton stated during the meeting.
Clinic Details and Services
The initial facility will feature six exam rooms, with three dedicated to dentists and three for dental hygienists. Meharry Medical College will appoint a full-time dentist to live and work in Paducah, supported by dental hygienists and assistants. Meharry Medical College will partner with KentuckyCare, an organization serving a similar patient population but without dental services, to broaden the reach of care.
Building History and Project Origins
The building at 1034 Walter Jetton Boulevard, formerly the 10th Street Market constructed in 1904, has been owned by the Hamilton family for decades. The project’s origins trace back six years to a conversation between Dr. Hamilton and then-mayoral candidate George Bray. The building will be repurposed for the recent clinic.
Sustainability and Future Plans
Dr. Hamilton acknowledged the need for ongoing financial support to ensure the clinic’s sustainability, highlighting the potential for collaboration with government entities and participation in programs like the federal Rural Health Transformation program. The creation of a nonprofit organization is also being considered to support the clinic’s operations.
About Meharry Medical College
Meharry Medical College offers graduate and professional academic programs in medicine, dentistry, health sciences, global health, and data science, among others.