The Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation has committed $250,000 to the Des Moines Area Community College Foundation to support a new facility for DMACC’s dental programs. The new 26,000-square-foot facility on the Ankeny campus, slated to break ground this fall, will replace the current 8,000-square-foot facility, according to a news release.

The new building will feature simulation labs, classrooms, a student lounge, sterilization and radiology suites, and a public dental clinic designed to serve patients from across Central Iowa. The facility aims to increase enrollment capacity for the dental hygiene program by 25% while maintaining small class sizes and student to instructor ratios.

Expanded Facilities for Dental Education

The expansion will allow DMACC to enhance its dental programs, providing students with access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. The new public dental clinic will also serve the community, offering accessible dental care to patients from across Central Iowa.

“this is a transformational gift that will directly impact our ability to serve diverse patient populations and provide hands-on training in an habitat that mirrors real-world practice,”

Impact on Dental Hygiene Program

With the increased enrollment capacity, DMACC’s dental hygiene program will be able to train more dental professionals to meet the growing demand in Iowa. The hands-on training in the new facility will ensure that graduates are well-prepared for their careers.