Thirty years of smiles: WCTC’s Dental Hygienist program marks significant milestone of comprehensive, compassionate care

"Every day that I am in clinic, I am applying what I am learning in class and being able to practice it hands on. Everyone is different, so every patient is a learning experience." -- Sienna Balistreri, WCTC Dental Hygienist student

As Waukesha County Technical College celebrates the 30th anniversary of its Dental Hygienist associate degree program, it marks a journey of evolution and innovation, paired with a deep commitment to the local community. The program has flourished over three decades, becoming a leader in dental education and shaping skilled and compassionate professionals who are changing smiles, one patient at a time.

A foundation built on service

During its first year in 1995-96, the program had only 12 dental chairs in its teaching clinic at the Pewaukee campus, said Kim Johns, longtime instructor. At that time, it was a shared program with Blackhawk Technical College through 2007, and a partnership program was also in place with Lakeshore Technical College from 1996-2014.

Since then, it has grown significantly. In 2019, the program moved to the Waukesha campus into a new, state-of-the-art Dental Hygiene Clinic with 20 chairs (plus another 10 for the Dental Assistant program) and sophisticated, cutting-edge tools and equipment. Johns said the relocation stemmed from a need to better serve students and the community; it increased patient availability for clinical training and provided a vital resource for a diverse downtown population.

This fall, another 10 new, fully outfitted stations were added to expand capacity. This was made possible in large part by a $2.1 million grant from the state and another $169,455 grant from the Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation.

"There is a growing demand for dental hygienists, so we’ve increased our enrollment from 20 to 30 students per cohort to help meet that need," Johns said. That need is supported by national data: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% job growth for dental hygienists through 2034, translating to about 15,300 job openings per year.

Because of the program’s solid reputation and critical demand for practitioners, WCTC Dental Hygienist students are highly sought after, and many have three or four job offers before they graduate, said Lisa Nowak, associate dean in the School of Health. The program also boasts outstanding board pass rates, with students consistently demonstrating a high level of proficiency on the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and the Central Regional Dental Testing Service, both required for licensing.

Expert teaching by experienced instructors also contributes to the prestige of the program. "The faculty are the backbone of this program," Nowak said. "Their passion and commitment to the profession permeates into the curriculum, and they take such pride in the students that graduate."

A passion for giving back

The program has a strong emphasis on public health, and its impact has been far-reaching. For many years, WCTC students led sealant clinics at select local elementary schools, focusing on those with a high percentage of students receiving free or reduced lunch. These efforts highlighted a dire need for affordable care and led to the opening of a nonprofit community dental clinic, separate from the College’s teaching clinic, which still maintains strong ties to WCTC.

Additionally, students participate in many other outreach efforts through their classes and the Dental Hygiene Club, including offering screenings for children in early childhood settings, providing oral health education to nursing home and memory care residents, and taking part in special events such as the Give Kids a Smile program.

Student Evangelina Villafuentes said the community service piece enhances her training, ultimately making her a better hygienist. "WCTC requires us to have a hefty amount of volunteer hours (45 hours over the course of the program). With these requirements, we are able to give back to the community and share our love for dental with others in the real world."

The WCTC Dental Hygiene Clinic serves to bridge the gap between students’ education and the community’s dental health needs by offering high-quality, affordable services to the public, all under the watchful eye of licensed professionals. Students perform teeth cleanings, x-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, assessments and other services, and they are required to see patients of all ages with dental issues ranging from simple to complex.

Beyond mastering technical aspects, students also hone their communication and soft skills, Johns said. "They learn how to establish rapport and earn patients’ trust, which is a crucial skill. Once they enter a dental office, the dentist will expect them to build strong patient relationships."

With a 5-to-1 student-to-instructor ratio in the clinic, students gain the support they need to be prepared for any situation. The team includes five full-time instructors, 10 part-time clinical instructors and seven supervising dentists.

For student Sienna Balistreri, the hands-on component has reinforced her knowledge "in every possible way," she said. "Every day that I am in clinic, I am applying what I am learning in class and being able to practice it hands on. Everyone is different, so every patient is a learning experience."

Supervising dentist Dr. Tracy Davies works closely with students, providing constant oversight during appointments. She mentors students about proper techniques and professionalism, encouraging them to see the patient as a whole person.

She prioritizes teaching students to show patients the highest level of care, sharing a core philosophy she hopes they carry into the field: "You've been taught well, now use your skills to help others. Treat others exactly how you would want your family members treated — with kindness, honesty, integrity — and everything else falls in line after that."

Louisa Henke, and her son, Mel, have been going to WCTC’s Dental Hygiene Clinic for nearly 15 years. She enjoys helping students gain valuable practice for their careers, and she appreciates the comprehensive services, convenient location and excellent care.

"It’s nice and clean and bright, and the students are so attentive," she said. "We’ve not met a student that we haven’t liked, and they always do a great job of making you feel comfortable."

Launchpad for thriving careers

Since the program’s inception, around 470 students have graduated, and four of those alums — Jenny Maxwell ’13, Tina Nissen ’13, Colin Meddaugh ‘19 and Corina Layton ’20 — are a testament to its influence, each finding their own unique niche while practicing as registered dental hygienists (RDH).

"When you become an RDH, wear it loud and wear it proud, because you can really make change and a difference in people's lives," said Maxwell, who founded RDH Communications, which provides mobile dental services to elderly residents at care facilities in central Wisconsin.

For Nissen, the dental clinic manager at Lake Area Free Clinic — which also serves as a clinical rotation site for current WCTC students — the program was the springboard for her career success. "At the time, it felt intense, but in hindsight, the high standards and accountability helped shape me into a competent and confident clinician."

These sentiments are echoed by Meddaugh and Layton. "I am beyond proud to have graduated from the WCTC Dental Hygienist program," said Layton, who uses her social media presence to create educational dental-related content. "I truly think it was the best program and education I could have received."

 Meddaugh added the program fostered confidence, professionalism and a lifelong commitment to patient care, and he values the bonds he made with students and faculty. "I’m proud to be a part of the WCTC dental hygiene legacy. Here’s to many more generations of hygienists who will go on to serve their communities with the same pride and passion instilled at WCTC."

From WCTC Impact, fall 2025.