COLUMBUS, Ind. — Ivy Tech Community College Columbus officially opened its dental hygiene clinic Wednesday, showcasing the expansion of its Dental Hygiene program to meet the rising demand for oral healthcare professionals across Indiana.
Although the clinic has been providing patient care for the past 13 months, the ribbon-cutting ceremony formally introduced the facility to the community. The clinic serves a dual purpose: offering preventive dental services to local residents while giving students practical, hands-on clinical training.
The Dental Hygiene program prepares students for Indiana’s dental workforce and is one of only three Ivy Tech programs of its kind in the state, alongside campuses in Anderson and South Bend. The Columbus program currently enrolls 10 students—five first-year and five second-year—who come from both the local area and other parts of Indiana.
Under the supervision of licensed dentists and hygienists, students treat patients from Bartholomew County, gaining real-world experience in a professional clinical environment. The clinic provides essential preventive care while serving as a training ground for future dental professionals.
The ribbon-cutting event drew college leaders and community partners, including Ivy Tech President Marty Pollio, Columbus Executive Director of Administration Eric Frey, Interim Chancellor Stephanie Amos, Dean of Health Sciences Christy Ross, Assistant Professor Jamey Marksberry, and local dentist Dr. Luciana Kano Wilson.
Second-year dental hygiene student Yamill Suriel shared her personal journey and highlighted how the program has equipped her for a career in oral healthcare.
Attendees also toured the dental clinic and Moravec Hall following the ceremony. College officials said the new program and clinic aim to address the growing need for dental hygienists statewide while expanding access to preventive dental services for the Columbus community.