South Central College Receives Donation and Matching Opportunity Toward New Dental Assisting Program Space

South Central College’s vision for establishing a new, designated space for the dental assisting program at its North Mankato campus is one step closer to reality today thanks to a generous gift to the South Central College Foundation.

The gift includes a new matching opportunity that will double the impact of donations made up to $250,000. Interested donors may contact the South Central College Foundation at 507-389-7342.

The college has sought funding for the new space, which will include a dental clinic and lab, in a variety of ways. The project is included in the college’s current legislative capital investment (bonding) request and is part of the South Central College Foundation’s capital campaign.
“This generous gift to our dental assisting program is an important step in our capital campaign to fund enhancements to learning spaces on our North Mankato campus,” said South Central College Foundation Director Erin Aanenson. “We believe their generosity will inspire others to give as well.”

Once full funding for the project is received, South Central College will begin the steps to build out the new dental assisting space.
Dental assisting is an in-demand field, with an eight percent increase in the number of dental assistants in Minnesota expected over the next 10 years. The new space will allow South Central College to admit more students into the dental assisting program, which has had a long waiting list for several years. Students will also be able to provide dental services to community members in the new space.

“Our dental assisting program currently shares space with the dental hygiene program at Minnesota State University, Mankato,” said Annette Parker, President of South Central College. “While that has been a wonderful partnership, both programs are growing, so we’d like to bring our dental assisting program onto our campus.”

South Central College’s highly regarded dental assisting program is accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation. Graduates who have passed their written board exams are licensed through the Minnesota State Board of Dentistry. South Central College’s dental assisting job placement rate (based on FY23 graduates – most recent available) is 91.7% and the percentage of graduates continuing their education is 17.9%

Elizabeth Thompson, Dean of Health Sciences, emphasizes the benefits to the students and the broader community.
“We are thrilled to move closer to our goal of providing enhanced learning opportunities for students while helping to address the workforce demand for dental assistants,” Thompson said. “Ultimately we believe the impact will be seen through improved access to care in the region.”

About South Central College
South Central College (SCC) is a comprehensive community and technical college that is part of the Minnesota State system with campuses in Faribault and North Mankato. The college offers programs that prepare students to start or advance in a rewarding career after graduation, transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree – or do both. SCC also provides customized workforce education for professionals and organizations. SCC is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer/Educator. For more information, visit www.southcentral.edu.

About South Central College Foundation
South Central College Foundation is a 501 ( c ) (3) nonprofit organization that connects critical resources, supporting the South Central College community in developing relevant skills and talent. The foundation obtains, manages and allocates contributions to support South Central College’s mission to provide an accessible and inclusive learning environment that cultivates student success and advances regional economic development.