MCC Dental Hygiene Program Making Strong Strides Toward 2026 Formal Launch
Published on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025
Montgomery Community College continues to make exciting progress toward the launch of its highly anticipated Dental Hygiene Program. The College is aiming to begin admitting students Fall 2026 following a scheduled site visit by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) in October 2025.
MCC is well ahead of schedule thanks to the dedicated efforts of Program Director Shannon Thomason, who began her work in August 2024 and submitted the full accreditation application just three months later—an impressive feat for a process that typically spans a full year. CODA reviewers responded with only minor recommendations, a strong endorsement of the program’s readiness and quality.
“We are incredibly proud of the work our team has accomplished in such a short time,” said Amy Frieary, Dean of Health and Human Services. “It’s a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our staff, and it speaks volumes about the quality of the program we’re building for our students and the community.”
In the next year, students interested in the program can begin completing their general education requirements ahead of time. By the time the program officially launches, these students will be ready to transition smoothly into their dental courses and clinical training.
The community’s enthusiasm for the program remains high. MCC received $1.5 million from the North Carolina General Assembly—thanks in large part to the advocacy of Senator Dave Craven and Representative Wayne Sasser—to bring the Dental Hygiene Program to life. This new offering builds on MCC’s longstanding success with its Dental Assisting Program, which has graduated more than 200 professionals over the past 17 years.
Located at the geographic heart of North Carolina, MCC is uniquely positioned to offer this much-needed program to students throughout the Sandhills region who previously had to travel nearly 50 miles for similar opportunities.
“We’re committed to excellence and accessibility,” said MCC President Dr. Chad Bledsoe. “This program will not only serve Montgomery County students but also help meet the growing demand for dental hygiene professionals across the region.”
Planning continues to move forward at a fast pace. The College remains on track with the construction of the new clinic, and equipment is expected to arrive this summer. The College is also preparing to hire a team of experienced faculty and staff. The future is bright, and MCC is excited to welcome its first Dental Hygiene class in Fall 2026. For more information, contact Amy Frieary, (910) 898-9709 or Shannon Thomason, Dental Sciences Program Director at (910) 898-9681.