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Central Penn College's Initiative to Combat PA's Dental Healthcare Shortage

New Scholarships and 9-Month Certificate Program Helps Students Train Quickly and Return to Serve Their Communities

by Joseph Caviston, Director of Marketing & Communications

Enola, PA (12/08/2025) — Central Penn College today announced an initiative designed to help address Pennsylvania's urgent shortage of dental health professionals. Many regions across the state are designated Dental Health (DH) Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs)-meaning residents struggle to access essential oral healthcare.

Central Penn College is offering financial support for students who enroll in its Dental Assisting Certificate Program, beginning January 5, 2026. The program enables students to rapidly train, graduate, and enter the workforce in as little as 9 months.

"These communities are experiencing a real public health need that impacts children, families, and overall well-being," said Ann Hoffman, Dental Program Director at Central Penn College. "We are committed to helping students from these areas gain a fast, affordable pathway into an in-demand healthcare career and empowering them to return home to make a difference."

Key Student Benefits

  • Dental Assistant Housing Scholarship: Students from the communities listed above are eligible for a special scholarship that provides affordable on-campus housing while completing the program.

  • Winter Start Scholarship: Students who apply and begin classes on January 5, 2026 will receive an additional $250 scholarship per term.

  • Dental scholarships have been made possible by the generous donation from the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation.

  • Hands-On Training: With high demand across Pennsylvania, Dental Assisting graduates can enter the field quickly and immediately support community health.

Communities This Opportunity Supports

Central Penn College is proud to help strengthen the dental workforce in the following Pennsylvania regions: Allentown City, Armstrong County, Bedford County, Bethlehem City, Blair County, Cambria County, Centre County, Chester City, Clarion County, Clinton County, Columbia County, Crawford County, Dry Run City, Easton City, Erie County, Forest County, Fulton County, the Hill District, Homewood Brushton, Huntington County, Indiana County, Jefferson County, Lackawanna County, Lancaster City, Lawrence County, Lebanon City, Luzerne County, Lycoming County, McKean County, Mifflin and Juniata Counties, Mifflinburg, Philadelphia City, Potter County, Schuylkill County, Somerset County, Braddock City, Sullivan County, Susquehanna County, Tioga County, Venango County, Warren County, and Western Perry County.

These communities urgently need trained dental assistants and Central Penn College is stepping up to help.

"Our goal is simple," Hoffman added. "Train motivated students. Break down financial barriers. Support local communities. And improve access to critical dental care across the state."

By empowering students to return home with career-ready skills, all Pennsylvania residents benefit-through expanded access to dental services and stronger community health systems.

Learn more by visiting: https://www.centralpenn.edu/dental-assisting-winter-2026/

Central Penn College gives students the educational foundation to turn potential into professional success. Since 1881, the college has been a leading source of career-focused education for students in Pennsylvania and beyond. Strategically located in Enola, PA, by the seat of state government and many public and private employers, Central Penn College offers associate, bachelor's and master's degrees, along with certificate and diploma programs in a variety of professional fields. For more information, visit www.centralpenn.edu.

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