North Hennepin News

Brooklyn Park, Jan. 9, 2022 – Today, Hennepin Technical College (Hennepin Tech) officially unveiled its newly-remodeled Dental Assistant classroom, learning lab and clinic. In addition to the renovations on the Brooklyn Park campus, the college is adding faculty and providing more scholarships for students.

A grant from Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation was a significant source of funding for the improvements and expanded program.

“We are grateful to Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation for the grant and its commitment to supporting students who are launching their careers in dentistry,” said Joy Bodin, interim president, Hennepin Tech. “Thanks to the generosity of Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation, our Dental Assistant program is able to nearly double student enrollment.”

The improvements to the program provide more opportunities for students to participate in hands-on learning in an environment that replicates a modern dental office. Graduates are impeccably trained and prepared to make an immediate contribution in their new workplaces.

“This is an exciting partnership to provide access to dental education, address workforce shortages, and advance oral health,” said Stephanie Albert, President, Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation. “And we believe it will measurably support the greater community.”

Along with a new classroom, the remodeled Dental Assistant learning areas on campus include:

• A dental clinic with eight dental chairs. The equipment and furnishings are from the industry’s leading dental supplier. The dental chairs and adjacent professional areas are fully-functioning with updated controls that are infection-control and touchless.
• Four x-ray units. Specially-equipped mannequins allow students to practice radiology skills using the x-ray machines on a head and mouth.
• A patient waiting room and a reception desk. This area is used to welcome actual patients. Dental Assistant students provide low-cost dental services during special events that are supervised by faculty.
• A new lab area. In this space, student prepare dental materials such as mouth molds, cements, and dental trays.

Nationally, 57% of dentists say it’s “extremely challenging” to recruit Dental Assistants, according to a recent poll by the American Dental Association. Throughout Minnesota and in the Twin Cities, there’s high demand for these skilled professionals. Hennepin Tech faculty say that dental offices routinely contact them in search of new graduates to hire as Dental Assistants.

About Hennepin Technical College Founded in 1972, Hennepin Technical College (Hennepin Tech) is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, the college offers degree and non-degree courses in over 40 programs. Achieving a high job placement rate, Hennepin Tech prepares students for in-demand and high-paying employment opportunities.

About Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation

Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation supports optimal oral and overall health outcomes while advancing social equities by expanding access to dental care and investing in the communities across Minnesota.

Original source can be found here.