Submitted Photo Members of the inaugural dental assisting graduating class are, left to right: front, Emma Schelling, Minot; Alexis Bauer, Berthold; Mya Olson, Minot; Breah Crissler, Belcourt; back, Kendra Kuhnhenn, Granville; Stephanie Lentz, Burlington; DaNae Jones, Minot; and Sarah Smith, Minot.

Dakota College Downtown, located in downtown Minot, is celebrating the completion of its first academic year and will be graduating its inaugural class of dental assisting students.

Dakota College at Bottineau offers a one-year dental assisting program in the downtown location. In addition, allied health and computer information systems coursework is being provided on-site.

The dental assisting program enrolled eight students this past year. Even though they have summer internships to complete, students will participate in the DCB spring graduation on May 16 in Bottineau.

The first-year dental assisting cohort successfully completed clinical rotations with high praise from their supervising dentists and staff, showcasing their readiness to transition into the dental field. Their ability to adapt, collaborate and maintain a strong work ethic has contributed to their individual success and strengthened the reputation of the program, according to a DCB news release.

Specific program offerings in the computer information systems coursework include webmaster, web design and cybersecurity. Classes supporting these programs have collectively enrolled 83 students this past year. Some students attend these courses virtually.

Allied health courses also are offered virtually. These courses are essential for degree programs such as medical coding, medical assisting and medical administrative assisting, and serve as prerequisites for programs such as diagnostic medical sonography and paramedicine. While enrollment in these courses is not yet at the goal level, DCB is actively working to increase awareness and interest through targeted marketing, the news release stated.

Looking ahead to the fall, DCB will add a selection of prerequisite and general education courses required for programs offered at DCB Downtown, along with the newly accredited dental hygiene program. Applications for dental assisting and dental hygiene programs will be open until May 15. The program is limited to 12 dental assisting students and 10 dental hygiene students.

“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from the community. It has made a meaningful impact on both our team and our students,” Program Director Maggie Backen said in the release.

One of the greatest challenges DCB encountered in its first year was recruiting qualified faculty and staff. Technical fields often offer significantly higher earning potential, which can make it difficult to attract qualified instructors.

“However, with both of our recent accreditation site visits going exceptionally well, we remain confident and optimistic. We feel these programs are not only growing in strength but will also prove to be valuable assets to the Minot community and the state of North Dakota as a whole,” Backen said.