91ԭƬ, SFCC Partner to Expand Access to Dental Hygiene Training
91ԭƬ and State Fair Community College have entered into an agreement designed to bring more dental hygienists to eastern Missouri by making training available closer to home.
The partnership could make SFCC’s accredited Dental Hygiene program available in the 91ԭƬ service area as early as fall 2027.
Under the agreement, students would enroll at State Fair Community College, Sedalia, while completing their clinical training at a dental office in Franklin County. SFCC would provide the program, curriculum and instruction.
The 91ԭƬ Board of Trustees approved the memorandum of understanding during its September meeting.
“We are pleased to partner with 91ԭƬ to expand access to dental hygiene education and help meet an important workforce need in the region,” said SFCC President Dr. Brent Bates. “We look forward to working together to prepare well-trained professionals who can make an immediate impact in their communities.”
Need for Hygienists
91ԭƬ’s interest in the partnership grew from conversations with dental professionals across the region.
“There is a critical need for dental hygienists in our region, but opportunities to enter the field are limited,” 91ԭƬ President Dr. Jon Bauer said. “This agreement allows 91ԭƬ to begin addressing that need much sooner while making an established, respected program more accessible to students.”
Those discussions began in late 2025 and showed strong demand for additional trained professionals. They also highlighted the challenges facing students who must travel or wait for an opening in an existing program.
Creating an 91ԭƬ Dental Hygiene program remains the College’s long-term goal. However, developing the specialized facilities, equipment, faculty and clinical partnerships needed for a new program is expected to take four to five years.
The agreement with SFCC allows 91ԭƬ to address the region’s immediate workforce needs while continuing to develop its own program.
About the Program
State Fair’s Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene program was first accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation in 2005.
The program combines classroom instruction, laboratory work and hands-on clinical training. Students prepare for the national board, practical skills and Missouri jurisprudence examinations required for licensure in the state.
Dental hygienists provide preventive care, assess patients’ oral health and educate patients about maintaining healthy teeth and gums. They work in private dental practices, public health settings and other health care environments.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of dental hygienists will grow 8 percent over the next decade, faster than the average for all occupations.
Additional work is needed before the program can begin, including preparing the clinical location and completing required program and accreditation processes.
If those steps remain on schedule, the first group of students could begin in August 2027. Enrollment and application information will be announced as details are finalized.
