WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Cape Fear Community College has officially opened its new dental clinic lab, located in the college’s Health and Human Services building. The facility is already in use by students training for careers in dental care.
CFCC President Jim Morton said the expansion was made possible through funding support from county commissioners and the state of North Carolina, which helped finance both the purchase of the building and its renovations.
“This clinic will help address the growing need for more dental hygienists in the Cape Fear region,” Morton said. “With our dedicated students and skilled instructors, we’re very excited about this program. It’s fascinating to see the progress.”
Linda Mayton, program director for CFCC’s dental assisting program, said the new facility allows for larger student enrollment and more hands-on training opportunities.
“We went from 10 operatories to 30, which lets us serve more patients and increase enrollment,” Mayton explained. “Two years ago, we had 18 students in the program. Now, we’re up to 30.”
With more dentists moving to the area, the demand for dental hygienists continues to rise. Mayton emphasized that the expanded clinic is a key step in preparing students to meet this demand.
“We’re working to keep up with the growing need for hygienists,” she said. “Expanding this clinic ensures our students are ready when they go out for rotations and enter the workforce.”
