Shoreline (Wash.) Community College is facing a nearly $2 million budget shortfall, putting the popular dental hygiene program in jeopardy, according to The Seattle Times.
The dental hygiene program is the most expensive on campus and faculty members are worried the college will just eliminate it entirely, Rosie Bellert, director of the dental hygiene program, told The Seattle Times.
Every program remains under consideration for cuts, Cheryl Roberts, EdD, Shoreline Community College president, said at a campus budget update. She added that the college may just cut specific courses.
College administrators cite declining enrollment for recent financial struggles. Dr. Roberts is scheduled to deliver a 2020-21 budget with proposed cuts next month.
In a letter sent this month, state lawmakers urged the creation of a plan that would allow the dental hygiene program and clinic to remain open.
"The need for dental hygienists in our state is at an all-time high," they wrote to the board of trustees, estimating that one class of program graduates could see about 18,000 patients every six months.
If the program is shut down, the school still must provide instruction for students currently enrolled.