Marietta, Ga.-based Chattahoochee Technical College's new degree program is working to train new dental assistants to reduce the current workforce shortage.
The program was introduced last year and currently has six students with plans to grow its student population in the next few years. Eight students will be a part of the next cohort when the school welcomes them in August.
The students are currently working at local dental practices as part of the college's externships.
Although the program's launch experienced challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has more support now as the demand for dental assistants grows. According to a May American Dental Association poll, nearly 35.8 percent of dentist owners are actively recruiting dental assistants.
The program offers advanced technology and equipment and the ability for students to complete the program and begin working in a dental assisting job in about two years.