PHOTOS: Capito Cuts Ribbon on WVU School of Dentistry

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS), returned to West Virginia University's (WVU) School of Dentistry in Morgantown, W.Va. While there, Senator Capito deliver keynote remarks at the ribbon cutting for the school's recent renovations, which were funded through a $12.6 million Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) award in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, and a $15 million CDS award in FY26 secured by the senator. This funding helped support renovations and expansions to the school as well as acquiring additional dental equipment.

"It is great to be in Morgantown today, back at WVU's School of Dentistry to celebrate such a wonderful achievement. This ribbon-cutting represents a significant investment in education in West Virginia," Senator Capito said. "By modernizing this facility and providing students and faculty with the tools and technology they need, we are helping prepare the next generation of dentists while expanding access to quality dental care for families across our state. I'm proud to have helped secure the funding to make this possible, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this investment will have on West Virginians for years to come."

"As the only dental school in West Virginia, we are keenly focused on our land-grant mission to improve the lives of families throughout our state," Dr. Stephen Pachuta, dean of the WVU School of Dentistry said. "Over 85% of the dentists that practice in our state are graduates of our School. Our commitment to education, community service, and patient care is strong. We're grateful for the support we received from Senator Capito through the federal appropriations process for this extensive renovation and expansion project that is transformational for West Virginia. It will greatly strengthen our educational base while helping to expand access to care and patient care experiences throughout the region. At the School of Dentistry, we are fully committed to meeting the oral healthcare needs and improving access to care for those entrusted to our care."

Photos from the event are included below:

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito delivers remarks at WVU School of Dentistry ribbon-cutting in Morgantown, W.Va. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito delivers remarks at WVU School of Dentistry ribbon-cutting in Morgantown, W.Va. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito cuts ribbon at WVU School of Dentistry ribbon-cutting in Morgantown, W.Va. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito tours WVU School of Dentistry in Morgantown, W.Va. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

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