Expanding Access to Healthcare Education
North Central is pursuing approval to launch Northern Michigan’s first Dental Hygiene degree program, addressing a regional workforce need and preparing students for high-demand careers.
Meeting Northern Michigan’s Dental Care Needs
Residents across Northern Michigan are facing barriers to basic dental care:
- Many local dental offices have had hygienist job openings for more than a year.
- Patients often wait 12 months+ for preventive dental services.
- Without care, untreated oral health issues increase long-term risks, especially for low-income and uninsured families.
- This program will strengthen access to affordable services and prepare skilled professionals to meet growing workforce demand.
"Dental hygienists are uniquely positioned within the healthcare system to detect early signs of both oral and systemic conditions that can have life-threatening consequences if left untreated. With extensive training in oral pathology, patient assessment, and systemic health correlations, hygienists are often the first providers to notice abnormalities that warrant medical referral."
—Rico M. Breznau, MA, RDH, RDA, Dental Hygiene Program Director
Investing in the Future of Oral Health
North Central’s state-of-the-art dental hygiene clinic will include approximately 12,000 square feet of teaching and patient care space. To make this vision a reality, philanthropic support is needed for:
- Renovation of clinic facilities
- Modern dental equipment and simulation technology
- Recruitment of faculty and clinical instructors
- Community outreach to expand access to care
- Estimated cost to launch program: $10–12 million
Proposed Clinic Floorplan
Click the floor plan to see the proposed clinic in more detail! The clinic will feature student stations, an instructor station, simulation lab, state-of-the-art X-ray stations, and more!
Clinic Approximate Square Footage: 12,000 sq ft
Pending CODA and HLC Accreditation Approvals
The Path Forward: Steps to Program Approval and Launch
Developing a new academic program is a collaborative process that includes internal review and external accreditation. North Central’s proposed Dental Hygiene program will advance through several key milestones on its path from concept to classroom.
1. Curriculum Review and Approval
The program proposal moves through North Central’s Curriculum Review and Development and Academic Policies Committee (CRD/AP), then to the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, then to the President, and then to the NCMC Board of Trustees Curriculum Committee, before final review and approval by the full NCMC Board of Trustees.
2. Program Site Selection and Development
Following approval by NCMC's Board of Trustees, the college will determine the best location for the program’s clinical and instructional spaces. North Central is currently exploring buy, lease, and build options to ensure the facility meets accreditation standards and supports long-term sustainability.
3. Accreditation and Authorization
Following site selection and development, North Central will pursue the necessary state and federal approvals.
- Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA): Confirms program quality and ensures graduates
are eligible for licensure as registered dental hygienists
- Expected Timeline: 12-18 months from application
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC): Approves new programs within North Central’s institutional
accreditation
- Expected Timeline: 4-6 months from application
- U.S. Department of Education (DOE): Authorizes the program for federal financial aid
eligibility following HLC approval
- Expected Timeline: 4-12 months from application
4. Projected Program Launch
Based on required site reviews and approval timelines, college officials are targeting a program start date of Fall 2028.
Stay Informed
North Central Michigan College is committed to keeping our community informed as plans for the Dental Hygiene program progress.
If you’d like to receive updates and additional information as they become available, please complete the form.
Program Impact at a Glance
who will train in North Central’s Dental Hygiene program.
will be served annually in our off-campus dental clinic.
for a Registered Dental Hygienist in Northern Michigan.
