North Central Michigan College proposes $10 million plan to launch dental hygiene program by 2028
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Summary
North Central Michigan College told the committee it seeks state support to purchase, renovate and equip a facility to start a dental hygiene degree program (2.5M purchase, 5M renovation, 2.5M equipment) that would initially train about 15 students per year and launch pending accreditations in 2028.
North Central Michigan College told the Appropriations Subcommittee it plans to expand health‑care training by launching a dental hygiene degree program and asked for state support to acquire and renovate a facility and purchase equipment.
President Dr. David Finley said the region faces a shortage of dental hygienists — about 550 openings annually — and outlined a three‑part cost estimate: $2.5 million to purchase a building, $5 million for renovations and $2.5 million for equipment and startup. Finley said the college will initially teach about 15 dental hygiene students annually, with capacity to expand to 20–25.
Finley described a timeline that includes completion of construction documents in 2026, renovations in 2027 and program launch in 2028, contingent on approvals from the Higher Learning Commission and the programmatic accreditor CODA. He said the college has a $2.5 million local match and is pursuing federal earmarks and foundation fundraising to cover the remainder.
Committee members asked about sustainability and whether the college currently runs related programs; Finley said North Central already operates a dental assisting program and has experience adding health‑care offerings.
