IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Smiles across Eastern Idaho will soon have a few more helping hands. College of Eastern Idaho is launching a new Dental Hygiene program designed to prepare students for one of the region’s most in-demand healthcare careers while expanding access to oral health care for the community.

The program has been granted Initial Accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and will welcome its first cohort of students in August 2026. The two-year program will admit 10 students each fall semester, giving them the opportunity to train locally for a rewarding career in dental health care.

Students who complete the program will earn an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene and after successfully completing their national and clinical board exams, will become licensed as Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH).

The program will be located in the dental clinic in Building 6 on CEI campus, where students will receive hands-on training using modern equipment and real-world clinical experiences. Through CEI’s on-campus dental clinic, students will also treat community members under the supervision of licensed professionals, helping expand access to preventive dental care in Eastern Idaho.

“This will have a big impact on our local community and Eastern Idaho,” said Dr. Kandis Garland, Dental Hygiene Program Manager. “Both for the dental community and offices in our area, being able to provide dental hygienists in the workforce and increase access for patients. Also, at our on-campus dental clinic, we will be able to provide the full scope of preventive periodontal care for many outside patients at a low cost, increasing access to care to the general public who might not be able to afford dental cleanings at a regular dental office. Students will receive high quality comprehensive instruction in our state-of-the-art dental clinic, and they’ll work alongside our experienced instructors who are passionate about dental hygiene.”

The program was developed in response to a growing shortage of dental hygienists across the region, with many local dental offices reporting open positions and increasing demand for qualified professionals. By offering the first Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene in Eastern Idaho, CEI is helping create a local pathway for students to enter the profession and strengthen the region’s healthcare workforce.

Community support has played an important role in making the program possible. CEI received generous grants and charitable contributions from several community partners, including:

• Delta Dental of Idaho — $75,000
• Leading Idaho 2.0 — $200,000
• Dr. Bryce Burtenshaw, DDS — $20,000

These contributions provided the foundation for launching the program and strengthening the future of dental care in the region. The funding helped CEI acquire advanced dental hygiene equipment, enhance student training opportunities, and modernize the clinical sterilization room to meet industry standards.

Applications for the inaugural Dental Hygiene cohort are open March 9 through April 6, 2026.

More information about the program and application process can be found at cei.edu/program/dental-hygiene.

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The program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “initial accreditation”. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (800) 232-6108 or at 401 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3300, Chicago, IL 60611-4250. The Commission’s web address is: https://coda.ada.org/

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About the College of Eastern Idaho
College of Eastern Idaho offers associate degrees, select bachelor’s degrees, technical certificates, and workforce training programs to help students achieve their educational and career goals. With a focus on affordability, accessibility, and student success, CEI is dedicated to providing high-quality education and training to the residents of Eastern Idaho. Visit cei.edu for more information.