[2] A part of the Southern Illinois University system, the school has nearly 200 students (about 50 in each entering class) and provides a fully accredited[3] and nationally recognized dental education.

[4] The SIU School of Dental Medicine was established in 1972 to provide a source of dentists in the southern half of Illinois.

[5][6] The Main Clinic (built 1984, renovated 2005) is the site of most student practical experience and provides patient dental care at 72 patient-care stations.

Its Advanced Practice Wing (built 2006) allows pre- and post-doctoral students to gain experience in diagnosis, treatment planning, surgery, and prosthodontic treatment for implant dentistry in its classroom (Roller Hall) and at an additional 24 patient-care stations.

[5][6] The Multidisciplinary Laboratory building, the former clinic building (renovated 1995) contains Hoag Hall (a classroom), a pre-clinical technique laboratory equipped with computers at every work station, a University Food Service kiosk, a student lounge, and the campus fitness center.