Search | Menu Cutting-edge dental learning space strengthens Wisconsin's oral health workforce
Madison College marked a significant milestone in healthcare education today with the opening of its new Dental Assistant and Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) Clinic to support the Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary Certificate Program.
Located at the college’s Truax Campus, the 3,500-square-foot, state-of-the-art clinic supports the growing demand for trained dental professionals across Wisconsin.
The facility is equipped with 15 computer-equipped dental chairs, a full sterilization center, and advanced learning technology designed to prepare students for the responsibilities of modern dental practices. The $3.08 million project included $1.5 million in construction upgrades and $1.58 million in new equipment investments.
Enhanced training
Madison College President Dr. Jennifer Berne officially opened the clinic during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, joined by students, healthcare partners and community leaders.
“At Madison College, we believe education should be responsive, inclusive and transformative. This new dental clinic exemplifies this belief perfectly,” Berne said. “By listening carefully to our healthcare partners, students and the community, Madison College has delivered a solution to the state’s dental care shortage. This clinic equips students with the skills and confidence they need to step into high-demand roles and succeed. Today, we celebrate the clinic’s opening and acknowledge our partners who advocate for accessible, high-quality education. Your collaboration makes this important work possible.”
Students enrolled in the EFDA and Dental Assistant programs began using the new clinic on Sept. 2, the start of the fall semester.
“This clinic is an example of what dedicated, creative and intelligent people can achieve when we work together,” said Madison College Provost Dr. Beth Giles. “It clearly demonstrates how the profession and our college united for the benefit of our students. The ripple effect of this new facility should not be underestimated. By advancing preparation opportunities for our students, we will fill a critical need in the profession and provide more services for our community members.”
Strong partnerships
This high-demand initiative provides dental assistants with training to perform expanded duties under the direction and supervision of a dentist. In the 11-credit, one-semester EFDA program, students develop the skills to place and finish restorations, remove sutures and dressings, apply fluoride and sealants, take final and digital impressions, remove crown cement, make temporaries and adjust dentures and oral appliances.
“This new space ensures our students have access to hands-on training with the latest technology, preparing them to step into the workforce with confidence,” said Marissa Tokarczyk, Madison College Dean of Health Sciences. “By expanding opportunities through programs like EFDA, Madison College is opening doors for more students to pursue rewarding careers in oral health care.”
The $3.08 million clinic project was generously funded in part by a $1.43 million Expanded Oral Health Program grant and a $143,000 contribution from Delta Dental of Wisconsin.
“One of the key directives of the Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation is to ensure a strong dental workforce, and this was an opportunity for us to proudly act on our mission, said Shannon Semmerling, Director, Philanthropy and Public Benefit for Delta Dental of Wisconsin. “This funding and subsequent program augmentations will go a long way to inspire oral health careers, and ultimately, help secure oral health accessibility for neighbors throughout Wisconsin.”
Find more information on the Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) Certificate Program and the Dental Assistant Program.
