Northcentral Technical College in Wausau is set to launch the state’s first dental therapy degree program, marking a significant step in addressing Wisconsin’s dental care shortages, particularly in rural areas. This initiative follows the recent availability of statewide dental therapy licenses, which became accessible in January 2025 as part of efforts to enhance dental care access.
Background on Dental Therapists
Dental therapists are trained professionals who focus on routine dental care, such as filling cavities, and are specifically equipped to extend care into areas with chronic shortages of dental professionals. They work under the supervision of licensed dentists and are trained to perform a range of procedures, including exams, fillings, and simple extractions.
Program Development at Northcentral Technical College
The college has received $2.2 million in grant funding from the state to establish the program. This funding has enabled the school to construct a new classroom equipped with 12 high-tech simulators, providing students with a cutting-edge learning environment. Laura Ahonen, Associate Dean of Allied Health & Human Services, noted that the college has moved quickly to develop the curriculum and infrastructure necessary for the program.
Enrollment and Accreditation
Before enrolling students, the program must obtain initial accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Once accredited, Northcentral Technical College plans to enroll 12 students each fall semester, initially focusing on recruitment within their district before expanding statewide and potentially to out-of-state students if capacity allows.
