Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, Wis., is creating the first dental therapy training program in the state, according to a May 9 report by Wisconsin Public Radio.
The school is establishing the program utilizing a $2.2 million grant from the state. In addition, the funds will be used to expand the college's dental clinic, which is at capacity, by eight chairs.
Angela Roesler, NTC's dean of health sciences and community services, said the school plans to hire a dentist to oversee the program.
The college is also one of five schools in Wisconsin that is adding an expanded function dental assistant certification program using the state grants.
NTC could open the dental therapy program as early as fall 2025, the release said.
Wisconsin lawmakers passed a four-bill package this year that included authorizing dental therapists in the state and allocating $20 million to technical colleges in Wisconsin to expand their dental programs.