Colorado Springs–May 2, 2023– Pikes Peak State College has received the largest grant in its history to fund a center that will combat the region's severe shortage of dental hygienists.
 
This unprecedented grant of $2.5 million from the Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation (DDCOF), also the largest single gift this foundation has awarded, will help create the Delta Dental Oral Health Career Center at PPSC’s Rampart Range Campus. 

“This transformative gift will catalyze the creation of the Delta Dental Oral Health Career Center at Pikes Peak State College. Delta Dental’s confidence in PPSC through this extraordinary and generous gift will launch our campaign to develop additional resources in support of the creation of a state-of-the-art dental training center," said PPSC President Lance Bolton. 

"This unique training facility will enable the college to begin a dental hygiene program and expand the existing dental assisting program. This opportunity stands out because Colorado Springs is one of the largest metro areas in the nation without a dental hygienist program, and our region suffers from a significant shortage of dental health professionals."
   
 The total cost of the project is projected to be between $9 and $10 million dollars.  The college hopes to pay for the remaining costs through fundraising efforts and college reserves.

 
 The college expects to have renovations complete by August, 2024, with dental assisting initially occupying the space.  The dental hygiene program has a significant accreditation process to follow and is expected to open in August, 2025.