Tuition is funded for the first three cohorts of students in the program

A new Dental Assistant program is coming to Mid-State Technical College this spring, thanks to a collaboration with Family Health Center of Marshfield. 

The Dental Assistant partnership was inspired by a Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) grant aimed at addressing the shortage of dental assistants and other oral care professionals in central Wisconsin. That grant funding will cover tuition for any student in the first three cohorts who commits to working for one year, post completion, in a qualifying rural dental facility.

The Dental Assistant technical diploma is a one-semester program, with classes starting in January for up to eight students. Students will experience hands-on training in a space provided by the Family Health Center clinic site in Marshfield. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job growth for dental assistants nationally is 8 percent through 2031. That increase is tied to increasing demand for preventive dental services, especially as baby boomers continue to enter older age groups and require more oral health care. According to Wisconsin Department of Workforce and Development data, central Wisconsin’s growth rate in the profession is even higher, at 9.1 percent, with many upcoming vacancies due to retirements and transfers.

“Over the years Family Health Center has been faced with a chronic shortage of dental assistants who are critical members of our dental teams,” said Greg Nycz, chief executive officer for Family Health Center. “Without them, fewer people in our communities will get the dental care they need. We are excited about our partnership with Mid-State to help us address this issue, as it will lead to more access to dental care for those in need,” he said. “The enthusiasm Mid-State’s leadership has had for this partnership is inspiring and demonstrates the critical role our technical colleges play in addressing workforce challenges.”

“At Mid-State Technical College, forging unique partnerships to solve our district’s most pressing workforce challenges is an ongoing focus,” said Mid-State’s president, Dr. Shelly Mondeik. “We are thrilled to see this collaboration with Family Health Center of Marshfield come to fruition and look forward to delivering skilled Mid-State graduates to ease the growing demand for dental care services in central Wisconsin, especially in rural communities who might otherwise not have access to them.”

Registration is open now for the new Dental Assistant program. In addition to funded tuition for the first three cohorts, students who enroll will receive all of Mid-State’s usual student support services, including enrollment assistance, career pathway development, guidance and counseling, academic advising, tutoring, learning resources and placement services. To learn more and apply visit mstc.edu/programs.