Delta Dental of Washington joined Peninsula College and community leaders to celebrate the opening of the college’s new dental hygiene program and clinic with an official ribbon cutting.
The celebration marks an exciting milestone in a partnership designed to address Washington’s critical dental workforce shortage while expanding access to oral health care on the North Olympic Peninsula.
Earlier this year, Delta Dental of Washington announced an $800,000 grant to support the new Dental Hygiene Associate of Applied Science-Transfer program and clinic. The investment helps create a local pathway for students to pursue careers as dental hygienists while preparing more oral health professionals to serve communities in Clallam and Jefferson counties.
“We’re facing a critical dental health workforce shortage, and too many people residing in rural areas and other medically underserved communities don’t have sufficient access to care,” said Mark Mitchke, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Washington.
Students in the program will gain hands-on experience at the on-campus Peninsula College Dental Hygiene Clinic, which will also provide low-cost dental services to the community.
The program was developed with support from local dental professionals and community partners to respond directly to the region’s workforce needs. By creating opportunities for students to train close to home, the program can help build a sustainable pipeline of dental professionals who may ultimately choose to live, work and serve patients in the region.
Delta Dental of Washington is proud to partner with Peninsula College and invest in dental education programs that strengthen Washington’s oral health workforce, expand access to care and help build healthier communities across the state.
