Ivy Tech Community College Columbus marked the official opening of its dental clinic with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, highlighting the expansion of its Dental hygiene program in response to growing workforce demand across Indiana.
Although the clinic has been serving patients for the past 13 months, the ceremony formally introduced the facility to the community and underscored its dual mission: providing preventive dental care to local residents while offering students hands-on clinical training.
The program prepares students to enter Indiana’s dental workforce and is one of only three Ivy Tech dental hygiene programs in the state, alongside campuses in Anderson and South Bend. The Columbus program currently enrolls 10 students — five in their first year and five in their second — representing both the local area and other parts of Indiana.
Students treat patients from Bartholomew County under the supervision of licensed dentists and hygienists, gaining practical experience in a real-world setting. The clinic delivers preventive services while serving as a training site for future dental professionals.
College leaders and community partners attended the event, 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.
Yamill Suriel, a second-year dental hygiene student, shared her personal journey into the profession and described how the program has prepared her for a career in oral healthcare.
Following the ribbon cutting, attendees toured the dental clinic and Moravec Hall.
College officials said the new program and clinic address the increasing demand for dental hygienists both locally and statewide, while expanding access to preventive dental services for the Columbus community.