The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development has awarded Local Share Account funding to support the expansion and renovation of Manor College’s Dental Health Center, a project aimed at increasing access to affordable dental services in the region.
Manor College will receive $625,123 toward the project, which is backed by State Rep. Ben Sanchez and State Sens. Art Haywood and Maria Collett, along with State Reps. Nancy Guenst and Melissa Cerrato. Local Share Account funds are drawn from Commonwealth gaming revenue and are designated for public interest projects such as community improvement, economic development and infrastructure.
“This investment allows us to move forward with a project that will have a lasting impact,” said Manor College President Dr. Jonathan Peri. “It will help us serve many of our neighbors, particularly seniors, by expanding access to high-quality, low-cost dental care in Abington Township and beyond.”
Founded in 1979, the Dental Health Center has long operated as a full-service community clinic. It became a teaching facility in 1995 with the launch of Manor College’s Dental Hygiene program. As a result, services are typically offered at about half the cost of private practices in the surrounding area.
The center currently serves more than 1,300 patients, including individuals without dental insurance, while also functioning as a clinical training site for students.
“This project shows a strong commitment to education and community health,” Sanchez said. “Manor College plays an essential role in ensuring our community has access to compassionate, quality dental care.”
Renovation plans include reconfiguring the building to add dental stations and purchasing and installing new equipment to support the expansion.
According to Dental Health Center Director Jaime Simpson, the project will significantly increase both patient capacity and educational opportunities. “By adding chairs, we can serve more community members and admit more students who want to pursue dental hygiene,” she said. “This is truly transformational for the center.”
Manor College is a private institution offering associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, known for its small-campus environment and career-focused programs. It is located on a 20-acre campus in Jenkintown, just outside Philadelphia.