The Dental Hygiene Board of California voted on July 19 to approve an increase in initial student enrollment for the proposed California Baptist University (Cal Baptist) dental hygiene program, allowing two cohorts (24 students each) to enter in the program’s first two years and creating a programmatic capacity of 96 students.

The board’s action followed a lengthy discussion during which Education Committee chair Michael Long summarized the committee’s prior review and recommendation. The committee initially recommended disapproval, citing the timing of the request and concerns about rapid expansion. After extensive public comment and discussion, board member Sonia Pat Hanson moved to approve the university’s request; the motion carried on a roll-call vote.

Why it matters: the approval increases the number of trained dental hygienists who will enter practice in the Inland Empire and surrounding regions. Witnesses and commenters framed the expansion as a response to workforce shortages; opponents and some board members pressed the program to document faculty, facilities, and student supports for the larger enrollment.

Details from the meeting: Cal Baptist said it plans two cohorts of 24 students (one cohort starting in 2028, an additional cohort in 2029) and described program capacity at 96 students. Program representatives said faculty and support staffing would be increased: the proposal doubled listed full‑time faculty from five to ten and planned roughly 20–25 adjunct instructors and supervising dentists for clinic oversight. Cal Baptist described available facilities that include approximately 12,000 square feet of existing space and options for an adjacent build-out.

Public comment was mixed. Educational consultant Joanne Galliano and the California Dental Association-affiliated commenter Touka Sokay urged the board to allow programs to propose multiple cohorts, citing precedent and workforce need. Kelly Donovan, Cal Baptist’s program director, said the university and its administration support the expansion and that the institution does not intend to shift costs to students: "they are supportive of us ... I really want this program," Donovan said. A recent graduate, Abigail, told the board she had seen students struggle when programs scale quickly and urged caution about maintaining close mentorship and student support.

Board action: Board Secretary Lolly Agarwal called the roll and recorded unanimous affirmative votes among members present for the approval. The vote followed the board’s earlier provisional approval of the program in March 2025; the board’s action at this meeting modifies the initially approved enrollment schedule.

Next steps and oversight: the education committee will continue to track the program as part of the board’s regular oversight of new programs. The board discussed and considered program facility plans, faculty hiring and support‑staff arrangements during its deliberations.