The Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation has generously committed $250,000 to the DMACC Foundation in support of a new, state-of-the-art facility for DMACC’s Dental Programs.

The 26,000-square-foot facility on the Ankeny Campus, slated to break ground this fall, will replace the current 8,000-square-foot facility with an expanded space featuring cutting-edge simulation labs, classrooms, a student lounge, sterilization and radiology suites, and a public dental clinic designed to serve patients from across Central Iowa.

“This facility is more than a building,” said DMACC President Rob Denson. “It’s a promise to our students and our communities that DMACC will continue to meet Iowa’s urgent workforce needs in dental care. “We are deeply grateful to the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation for their continued partnership and investment in our mission.”

Delta Dental’s gift reflects a longstanding relationship nurtured over decades by dedicated faculty and staff.

“Delta Dental is proud to support DMACC and their innovative approach to addressing community health needs through their dental programs and preparing the next generation of the dental workforce,” said Suzanne Heckenlaible, executive director, Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation.

According to the American Dental Association, 93% of private practice dentists say it is extremely or very challenging to recruit dental hygienists – a shortage echoed across Iowa. DMACC’s Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs are among the state’s most in-demand. Year over year, the program’s 64 total seats are filled, and at least half of those students are already employed before graduation, said Johanna Land, Dental Programs and Clinic Coordinator.

“This investment speaks volumes about Delta Dental’s commitment to increasing access to care and advancing education,” said Jeanie McCarville Kerber, Executive Academic Dean for DMACC’s Health & Public Services Pathway. “Their support will allow us to expand hands-on learning opportunities for students while enhancing care for individuals who often face barriers in traditional clinical settings.”

The new facility will allow dental hygiene enrollment capacity to increase by 25% while still maintaining small class sizes and student to instructor ratios.

The Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation’s funding will specifically support five private dental operatories located near the clinic entrance, designed to improve accessibility for patients using wheelchairs or those with sensory processing needs. These specialized spaces reflect the program’s growing focus on inclusive, community-centered care.

“This is a transformational gift that will directly impact our ability to serve diverse patient populations and provide hands-on training in an environment that mirrors real-world practice,” said Land, who is a graduate of DMACC’s program and worked as a clinical Dental Hygienist for nearly 30 years before returning to be an educator. “Delta Dental’s support allows us to continue offering affordable, preventive care while preparing compassionate, highly skilled professionals.”

The DMACC Dental Clinic provides reduced-cost care for the community and free services to DMACC students in need.

Renderings of the new building, designed by Shive-Hattery Architecture + Engineering, reveal a modern space focused on flow, comfort, and accessibility, incorporating natural light, calming colors, and wellness spaces for students.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of DMACC’s Dental Programs – an established and respected legacy now poised to serve students and the community for generations to come. 

MEDIA CONTACT: 
Savannah Eadens 
Public Relations & Communications Specialist
sjeadens@dmacc.edu

515-675-3275