Focus shifts to expanding high-impact Dental Hygiene Program to address urgent workforce needs
Vermont Business Magazine Vermont State Colleges (VSC) Chancellor Elizabeth Mauch today announced the system will conclude development of its proposed Dental Therapy Program at Vermont State University, citing findings from a comprehensive feasibility assessment commissioned by the chancellor earlier this year that determined the program is not financially or operationally sustainable at this time.
“After nearly a decade of diligent effort, it has become clear that the dental therapy program is not a viable path forward to address our state’s acute and pressing oral health workforce challenges,” said Chancellor Mauch. “We are committed to investing where we can have the greatest impact — and that is in our highly successful and expanding Dental Hygiene Program.”
The decision follows a detailed evaluation that identified multiple structural and financial barriers, including high costs associated with program accreditation, limited faculty availability, and clinical requirements that restrict class sizes to levels too small to be cost-effective. The program’s development also faced significant headwinds from disruptions including the COVID-19 pandemic and the large-scale transformation and unification of the Vermont State Colleges system which strained resources and capacity during a critical development period.The report also noted that dental therapy remains a very new and largely undeveloped field, with only three accredited programs nationwide despite nearly ten years since national standards were established by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
“While we are disappointed that this particular program could not be sustained, despite significant efforts, our commitment to advance oral health education and contribute to the workforce needs of dental hygienists, remains a strategic priority, shared Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences, Caitlin Stover, who joined VTSU in 2024.
Vermont enacted Act 161 in 2016 to allow for the licensure of dental therapists as mid-level providers who could increase access to care in underserved areas. Vermont State University (VTSU), then Vermont Technical College, was tasked with developing the state’s first CODA-accredited dental therapy program. While initial funding and infrastructure investments were made – including equipment upgrades and space renovations – persistent challenges around staffing, accreditation, and sustainability ultimately proved insurmountable.
“While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, I am appreciative of the leadership of VSC and VTSU for doing this critical assessment and for taking decisive action on the program,” stated Senator Ginny Lyons, Chair Senate Health Care Committee. “We know they will continue to be part of the solution to our health care challenges and for that we are grateful.”
VTSU continues with its plans to expand its existing Dental Hygiene Program, which already plays a critical role in providing preventive oral health care across the state. With $6.2 million in newly secured federal funding, the university will double enrollment in its dental hygiene program beginning in Fall 2027 from 24 to 48 students per year.
“This is a strategic and mission-driven decision,” added Chancellor Mauch. “At a time of acute oral health workforce shortages, expanding a program that already delivers results, while providing a great career path for our students is the best way we can serve our state.”
Dental hygienists are on the front lines of oral health, offering preventive services, early disease detection, and patient education, all of which are vital to reducing the cost and burden of oral and other types of diseases and conditions. As the expanded program comes online, VSC aims to continue working closely with state leaders and partners to ensure Vermont’s oral health workforce is strong, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of every community.
6.30.2025. Montpelier, VT – Vermont State Colleges
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