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 in Abington Township.
Manor College will receive $625,123 from the grant, which will be used to renovate the facility, add additional dental stations, and purchase new equipment. The project is intended to expand access to affordable, high-quality dental services while increasing training opportunities for dental hygiene students.
“We are thrilled to move this project forward in such a way that will have a meaningful and lasting impact,” said Manor College President Dr. Jonathan Peri. “This work will benefit many of our neighbors, especially seniors, by providing greater access to low-cost dental care.”
Local Share Account funds come from a portion of Pennsylvania’s gaming revenue and are distributed to support projects that promote community improvement, economic development, and public infrastructure. The Manor College project received support from State Rep. Ben Sanchez, State Sens. Art Haywood and Maria Collett, and State Reps. Nancy Guenst and Melissa Cerrato.
Founded in 1979, Manor College’s Dental Health Center has long served as a full-service dental clinic for the community. In 1995, it became a teaching facility with the launch of the college’s Dental Hygiene program. Today, the center provides dental services at rates approximately 50 percent lower than private practices in the surrounding area and serves more than 1,300 patients annually.
The center offers essential dental care to community members, including individuals without insurance, while also functioning as a clinical training site for students.
“This project reflects a strong commitment to both education and community health,” Sanchez said. “Manor College plays a vital role in ensuring access to quality, compassionate dental care.”
According to Jaime Simpson, director of the Dental Health Center, the expansion will allow the facility to add more dental chairs and admit additional students into the dental hygiene program.
“It is truly transformational for the Dental Health Center,” Simpson said. “We can serve more patients while opening doors for students who want to pursue careers in dental hygiene.”
Manor College is a private institution offering associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, known for its personalized, career-focused education. The college is located on a 20-acre campus in Jenkintown, just outside Philadelphia.