As Southwestern Community College prepares to launch a Dental Hygiene associate degree program, The Cannon Foundation and Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trust No. One awarded SCC $225,000 toward the purchase of new state-of-the-art dental simulation equipment for a new Dental Simulation Lab.
Southwestern already has a thriving Dental Assisting program and completed a brand-new clinic last year. The Dental Simulation Lab, which was recently completed in Founders Hall on the Jackson Campus, is equipped with 16 high-tech simulators and cabinetry.
The lab provides students with a safe and controlled environment for practicing their skills on life-like manikins (simulators) before transitioning to a clinical setting with patients.
“It’s exciting to see all this momentum surrounding our Dental programs, and we are truly grateful to The Cannon Foundation and the Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trust No. One for their generous support,” said Abra Brooks, Allied Dental Programs Director at Southwestern. “Our training facilities are as nice and well-equipped as any in the state or region, and our students – and our communities – will benefit greatly from everything we’re doing here.”
Once up and running, the Dental Hygiene program will address a critical workforce shortage of dental hygienists throughout Western North Carolina.
The Dental Hygiene clinic, expected to be fully operational in Spring 2028, will offer low-cost preventative dental healthcare for area residents. Services that students will provide through the clinic include affordable teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, x-rays and other preventative treatments.
“I want to thank The Cannon Foundation and Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trust No. One for investing in our Allied Dental programs,” said Dr. Don Tomas, SCC’s President. “These programs are difference-makers for employers, our students and the communities we serve. I’m extremely proud of all the work that Abra and our Health Sciences Division are doing to get our Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs rolling.”
For more information about the SCC’s Allied Dental programs, contact Amber Upton (828.339.4037 or a_upton@SouthwesternCC.edu) or Abra Brooks (828.339.4319 or au_brooks@SouthwesternCC.edu).
