1.Did the dental hygiene program at VPCC close?
The Dental Hygiene program is entering year 2 of a non-enrollment period. VPCC does not have plans to discontinue the Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene program currently. College leaders are working with state and regional partners to reimagine the program to ensure it meets the needs of our students, the community, and the dental workforce.
2.Does the college plan to reopen the program for future enrollment?
College leaders are collaborating with sister institutions in the VCCS to develop a system-wide, sustainable model for dental hygiene programs across Virginia. Though a specific date for program reopening is not available at this time, VPCC will keep the community informed of developments and plans as they are solidified.
3.What options are available for students who are interested in starting their dental hygiene education pathway at VPCC?
Virginia Peninsula Community College continues to be a viable career pathway for aspiring dental professionals and other healthcare-career focused individuals. Students who are interested in healthcare careers are placed in the Health Science degree program https://catalog.vpcc.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=14&poid=3297, which provides the necessary pre-requisite courses for other Dental Hygiene programs including Old Dominion University and Virginia Commonwealth University.
The Health Science program also provides a foundation for other allied health and health science pathways for students who wish to change their career trajectory without having to start over in another program. We encourage students to collaborate with their academic advisor to make the best plan for completion.
4.Is the Dental Clinic at the Historic Triangle Campus open for business?
The College is proud to have provided quality dental care at its clinic for more than a decade while training students to become dental professionals. Due to the non-enrollment period, the Dental Clinic is currently closed. The College recognizes the importance of accessible dental services and remains committed to supporting community members in accessing quality healthcare. We encourage individuals seeking dental care to visit dental service providers of their choice or consider community clinic partners at the Lackey Clinic in Yorktown or the Olde Town Medical Center in James City County.
5.What do I do if I was a patient at the clinic and needed my records?
Those who received dental care at VPCC’s clinic from 2018 to the present may request their dental records by completing the Dental Records Release Form available at www.vpcc.edu/health. Former patients must email their completed forms to dentalhygieneclinic@vpcc.edu for processing.
For more information, please feel free to reach out directly to Michelle Alexander, Dean of Public Safety, Allied Health, and Human Services, alexanderm@vpcc.edu.