MCC is excited to welcome the first cohort of students into its new Dental Hygiene Program! Twenty women have arrived on campus to begin their studies. The program has received initial accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), allowing the College to enroll 20 students each fall. The inaugural class is starting now, with another cohort of 20 students entering in fall of 2027. As part of the accreditation process, CODA will return in Spring 2028 to evaluate the program and observe the first graduating class as the College works toward continuing accreditation.
The new Dental Sciences Education Clinic was designed to provide students with hands-on, real-world learning experiences in a professional clinical environment. The clinic features 10 fully-equipped operatory chairs where students will develop the clinical skills necessary to become competent, compassionate dental hygienists while serving members of the community under faculty supervision.
In addition to the clinic, students will benefit from a dedicated Materials Lab, allowing them to practice and refine essential techniques before working with patients. This combination of simulation and clinical experience will help prepare graduates to enter the workforce with confidence.
To support the program’s launch, MCC has hired Jessica Taylor as its first dental hygiene instructor, and is actively recruiting an additional instructor, along with an administrative assistant/clinical manager, to support the continued growth of the program.
One of the greatest successes throughout the accreditation process has been the leadership of Shannon Thomason, Dental Sciences Program Director. Shannon led the extensive CODA self-study process, resulting in an exceptional review. Receiving initial accreditation with zero findings is an outstanding achievement and reflects the dedication of the faculty, administration, and College leadership in developing a program that meets CODA’s rigorous national standards. Their feedback reflected the tremendous amount of planning, collaboration, and commitment that went into developing the program.
The Dental Hygiene program represents a significant investment in the future of healthcare education in Montgomery County and the surrounding region. By preparing highly skilled dental hygienists locally, Montgomery Community College is helping address workforce shortages while expanding access to quality dental care through its educational clinic.