The need for more dental hygienists continues to be a factor for dental practices in Colorado. The CDA has been actively attending information sessions and gathering information on this important topic. Here are some updates across the state.
Western Colorado
On June 14, the Colorado Mountain College Council voted in favor of the intent to pursuit its dental hygiene program. This translates to moving forward with construction of a dental hygiene clinic at the Vail Valley at Edwards Campus with a target of the first cohort starting in the summer of 2024. The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) Initial Accreditation Application will be submitted this fall.
Metro Denver
The Concorde Dental Hygiene Associate Degree Program is accepting an additional eight people per cohort as of this fall. They have also hired a new program director, Dr. Berween Mourady.
Colorado Springs
Pikes Peak Community College is in the early stages of building an allied dental education center that builds strong dental teams. The college will admit 24 new dental hygiene students per year beginning the fall of 2024 or 2025. It will also admit up to 36 new dental assisting students per year. In addition to increasing diversity in the dental workforce, the college strives to create a pathway for dental assistants to become dental hygienists.
The CDA will continue to keep you informed of updates regarding workforce improvements.