Progress at Two Dental Hygiene Programs State Fair CC


by ANDRA FERGUSON, PHD S


tate Fair Community College’s commit- ment to advancing healthcare educa- tion is moving from plans to reality.


Since announcing expansion efforts in 2023, the college has made significant progress in strengthening the dental hygiene program and meeting regional workforce needs. Reno- vations are nearly complete with the help of a MOexcels grant awarded to SFCC, and the new facility will soon welcome students and patients into modern, purpose-built spaces designed to support both learning and care delivery. The development of this multi-purpose health sciences facility, on the main campus in Sedalia, Mo., coupled with a new hybrid community-based model for curriculum delivery and strong community partnerships aim to address critical health- care workforce shortages in Missouri.


We are committed to expanding access to training opportunities and increasing the availability of dental care services in underserved communities across Mid-Mis- souri. Once fully operational, the expanded dental hygiene clinic will more than double both student enrollment capacity and the number of community patients served. The renovated building will feature twice the number of dental chairs, advanced radi- ography suites, updated sterilization areas and dental laboratories. The design reflects SFCC’s commitment to innovation, prepar- ing students for careers in advanced health- care environments.


This growth directly addresses the pressing need for oral healthcare in Missouri, where all 14 counties in SFCC’s service area face health professional shortage area designa- tions. The new facility will help underserved communities gain greater access to preven- tive care, while also creating more opportu- nities for students to gain real-world clinical experience.


In addition to the physical expan- sion, the hybrid learning option combines synchronous online courses with in-person clinical and laboratory training for students. This flexible model has increased access for students across the region while still maintaining the high standards of CODA ac- creditation. This also increases flexibility for teaching dental hygiene courses which have not been available until now. Our partners, Com- pass Health Network, have been innovative in making the Columbia facility conducive to excellence in learning, in addition to the excellent community care.


We are currently accepting applications for both Sedalia and Columbia locations for the August 2026 starting date.


Andra is the Director of Dental Hygiene at SFCC. Contact her at 660-596-7262. Learn more at sfccmo.edu/ academics-programs/areas-of-study/dental-hygiene.


St. Louis CC by MAGGIE MALENCH, RDH, MAE T


he Dental Hygiene Program at St. Louis Community College remains a leader in preparing students to meet


the growing need for licensed dental hygien- ists across Missouri. Following the successful relocation to our state-of-the-art facility on the Forest Park campus in 2019, we are now preparing to open our second full-scale den- tal hygiene program at the Florissant Valley campus.


FLORISSANT VALLEY CAMPUS SET TO LAUNCH


The first class of dental hygiene students at Florissant Valley began in August 2025. The new facility, located in the Center for Nurs- ing and Health Sciences, mirrors the Forest Park design and houses a 32-chair clinic, along with radiology rooms, classrooms, labs and faculty and student support spaces. Once both sites are operational, STLCC will be


able to enroll a total of 64 students annually, doubling our previous capacity.


ADDRESSING WORKFORCE NEEDS


STLCC’s Dental Hygiene Program continues to experience overwhelming interest. We maintain an open access policy, but despite increased enrollment, our wait list remains extensive, highlighting the urgent need for expanded educational capacity in this field. The addition of the Florissant Valley program is a critical step toward closing the gap.


COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE & FACULTY GROWTH


To support this expansion and maintain a high standard of instruction, we have wel- comed many new faculty members at both the Forest Park and Florissant Valley cam- puses. Their diverse backgrounds and clinical expertise strengthen our commitment to delivering exceptional education and patient care. Students at both locations benefit from a curriculum rooted in clinical excellence, public health awareness and hands-on com- munity engagement.


A STATEWIDE IMPACT


As the only dental hygiene program in the eastern half of the state, STLCC is uniquely positioned to prepare the next generation of dental hygienists. We are excited about the expansion and its potential to serve even more communities, patients and students across Missouri.


Maggie is the STLCC Dental Hygiene Program Department Chair. Contact her at mmalench@stlcc.edu or 314-513- 4553. Learn more at stlcc.edu/pathways/health/dental- hygiene.


ISSUE 3 | FALL 2025 | focus 31


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