Halifax Community College has been awarded a $500,000 High-Cost Health Care Workforce Funds Start-Up Grant from the North Carolina Community College System.
The grant will fund the creation of a new Dental Assistant program designed to provide short-term, high-impact training that prepares students for immediate entry into the workforce.
The Dental Assistant program is part of HCC’s broader initiative to expand its healthcare training offerings and address critical workforce needs in the region.
The program’s short-term structure allows students to gain essential skills in a matter of months, enabling them to transition into rewarding careers in oral healthcare quickly.
"Receiving this grant is a tremendous honor and a significant step forward for our college and our community," said Julie M. Galvin, dean of academic affairs. “In addition to providing direct chairside support, dental assistants educate patients about oral hygiene and post-procedure care, making them essential in promoting long-term dental health.”
With the demand for skilled dental assistants on the rise, HCC’s new program will equip students with the expertise needed to enter this expanding field and contribute to the local healthcare system.