Jackson College’s First Dental Hygiene Cohort Graduates

Students at work in the dental hygiene program at Jackson College.  Courtesy photo.

(July 22, 2020 5:05 PM) Jackson College’s first cohort of dental hygiene graduates ran into an unexpected ending to their educational journey, but the first class finished their requirements this summer.

“We are very proud of our first graduating class,” said Pat Guenther, program director. “There is a huge demand right now for dental hygienists, especially with the COVID virus. Some hygienists that might be part of a vulnerable population are choosing to retire. This has opened up many jobs.”

The recent graduates are already working because the State of Michigan is allowing health occupations the opportunity to secure temporary licensing until their board exams are available.

Bentley Rupp is working at Ebeling Family Dentistry as a dental hygienist. “I have been interested in the dental field for as long as I can remember. I did Vo-Tech at the LISD Center in Adrian for dental aid and loved it. I thought about assisting but then decided to pursue dental hygiene.

“I loved the program. I would definitely recommend the program to other people. It is a lot of studying and hard work, and also long days of clinic, but it is so worth it!”

2020 Graduates:

• Maddie Currie
• Jessy Fernelius
• Hayley Fry
• Kelsey Ross
• Nicole Ross
• Bentley Rupp
• Kilie Sheffer
• Lydia Stoner
• Becky Willaert

Jackson College launched the dental hygiene program in 2018 in response to concerns about a shortage of registered dental hygienists to fill present and future job openings in the tri-county area. Dental hygiene is a growing field with ample career opportunities. Local students pursuing the dental program through the Career Centers now have the opportunity to stay closer to home to pursue their associate degree in dental hygiene.

To learn more about the program, visit www.jccmi.edu/program/dental-hygiene, or contact Guenther at 517.990.1463 or GuenthePatriciD@jccmi.edu.