Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation and Hennepin Technical College to Host Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Celebrate Expansion of Dental Assistant Program

MINNEAPOLIS (January 4, 2023) – Hennepin Technical College is excited to unveil updates and an expansion of its dental assistant program at its Brooklyn Park campus, thanks in part to a grant provided by Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation. The grant will provide greater access to education and opportunities in the dental profession for underrepresented and diverse students.

“With help from Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation, Hennepin Technical College will reach new potential students interested in the field of dentistry, and provide them with a state-of-the-art learning experience,” says Joy Bodin, Interim President, Hennepin Technical College.”

The outlook is bright for the new, historical level of up to 72 students that will graduate from the program each year. According to workforce data, the need for dental assistants is high and expected to increase. Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow nationally by 8% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations, with Minnesota wages that top the nation at $53,080. Job opportunities are already substantial. Nationally, 57% of dentists say it’s “extremely challenging” to recruit dental assistants, according to a recent poll by the American Dental Association.

Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation funding helped the program expand quickly with support for new faculty, equipment, and scholarships for students to cover the cost of supplies. Within months of completing its renovations, the college welcomed about 20 students who were on the waitlist to join the dental assistant program.

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

What: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Date: Monday, January 9, 2023

Time: 2 – 3:30 p.m.

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.