Lakeshore Technical College is receiving over $1.2 million from the state’s Joint Finance Committee.
The money is for Wisconsin’s technical colleges to expand the state’s oral healthcare workforce.
The funds will support the college’s recently announced plans to add an accredited dental hygiene associate degree program.
President Dr. Paul Carlsen says “We especially thank Senator Duey Strobel and Representative Terry Katsma, who represent portions of Lakeshore’s district and serve as vice chairs of the Joint Finance Committee, for their support and investment in our college, students, and community.”
The college is adding the dental hygiene program in response to requests from local dentists who, like others across the state and country, are facing difficulties filling open positions.
He says the college has identified more than 160 open positions within the Lakeshore service district. Carlsen says there is some duplication between the programs though the more advanced hygiene program focuses on the science, hygiene, radiography, pharmacology, and pathology of dentistry.
Dental hygiene graduates can also complete the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam to become licensed registered dental hygienists, able to perform procedures including teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, x-ray processing, and others.
The LTC Foundation is raising additional funds to complete the $2.1 million project in time for classes to begin by fall 2026.
For information about Lakeshore’s programs, visit gotoltc.edu.
