Watertown, SD – Lake Area Technical College (LATC) is set to enhance its healthcare education offerings with the introduction of a new associate degree program in dental hygiene, scheduled to commence in fall 2025. This development represents a significant milestone for LATC, which has maintained the distinction of being the sole provider of a CODA-accredited dental assisting program in South Dakota for 56 years.
The approval of the dental hygiene program underscores LATC’s proactive response to the escalating demand for skilled dental hygienists within the region. According to projections by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Lightcast, employment opportunities for dental hygienists in South Dakota are expected to grow by 6.9% from 2023 to 2033, surpassing the average growth rate across all occupations. Taking into account anticipated retirements and natural turnover, the state is anticipated to experience a 13.61% rise in dental hygienist employment from 2020 to 2030.
Nicole Pahl, director of the Dental Assisting program at LATC, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, “The addition of the dental hygiene program aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver high-quality, comprehensive technical education that meets the evolving needs of our community and industry partners. Building on the longstanding success of our dental assisting program, we are committed to maintaining exceptional standards.”
Serving as a foundational pathway for the new dental hygiene program, LATC’s dental assisting program has a distinguished track record of preparing students for successful careers. Emphasizing both clinical practice and administrative proficiency, the dental assisting curriculum has paved the way for this innovative initiative. The newly renovated LATC dental clinic, equipped with 14 simulation stations and 10 dental operatories featuring nitrous oxide and radiography equipment, underscores LATC’s commitment to state-of-the-art facilities.
The dental hygiene curriculum will provide students with advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for their roles. Upon completion of the dental assisting AAS degree, students can pursue an additional year of study to earn their dental hygiene AAS degree. The comprehensive curriculum covers areas such as advanced oral anatomy, periodontology, preventative dental health, radiography, instrumentation, ethical conduct, and community dental health issues. Clinical rotations will offer students valuable hands-on experience in real-world settings under the guidance of seasoned professionals.
A distinctive feature of LATC’s approach is the 1 + 1 design of the dental hygiene AAS degree, enabling graduates to earn both an AAS in dental assisting and an AAS in dental hygiene within three years.
The introduction of the dental hygiene program is expected to have a positive impact on the local community by enhancing access to dental care. LATC is actively collaborating with local dentists to facilitate student clinical hours and skill development, thereby strengthening community partnerships.
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