STCC Dental Science program awarded $12,500 for student scholarships

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – As it celebrates its 50^th year, the Springfield Technical Community College Dental Hygiene program received a $12,500 donation for scholarships from Delta Dental, an insurance provider.

STCC President John B. Cook announced the donation in a ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 26, at the dental clinic in the Health Science Building at STCC with a representative of Delta Dental and STCC faculty and students.

Cook thanked Dennis Haglund, director of sales and client services, who attended and spoke at the ceremony.

“It’s wonderful to receive this gift from Delta,” said Cook, who noted that it’s expensive to support a clinical lab. The STCC clinic, which offers services to the public, includes chairs, dental tools, x-ray machines, patient simulators and other high-tech equipment.

Delta Dental promotes oral health and wellness by providing Massachusetts employer groups with dental benefit plans and working with the nation’s largest network of dentists.

 “We work closely with Dental Provider offices in our community,” Haglund said. “Supporting some of the next generation of dental care providers is a privilege for all of us at Delta, and it’s been exciting to see their very impressive learning environment at STCC.”

Dental hygiene student Erin Morin of Springfield attended the ceremony.

“This is a wonderful program and a really great clinic that offers hands-on training,” Morin said. “I was a dental assistant for 15 years and decided to go back to school to study dental hygiene. The only way to go up was to go back to school.”

Kelli Goodkowsky, assistant dean in the School of Health and Patient Simulation at STCC, said she was thrilled that Delta offered the funding for scholarships.

This generous donation comes at a special time for our dental hygiene program, which is celebrating 50 years this fall. Kelli Goodkowsky, Assist. Dean, Health and Patient Simulation

“This generous donation comes at a special time for our dental hygiene program, which is celebrating 50 years this fall,” Goodkowsky said. “We have been a part of STCC’s history since its early years and have built a great legacy of preparing highly skilled professionals to provide care in the region. When you go to any dentist office in Western Massachusetts, chances are you might run into an STCC graduate.”

Goodkowsky applauded the faculty for their dedication and commitment to supporting students in the dental hygiene and dental assisting programs.

“We have offered a two-year degree program in dental hygiene for 50 years, and recently brought back our dental assistant program, which allows students to pursue a one-year certificate,” Goodkowsky said. “A dental assistant certificate will lead to a full-time job.  Students who earn the certificate can apply for the dental hygiene program. They can continue working and get the training they need to move up in their career.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (4213) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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