FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PPSC Foundation Receives $75,000 Grant to Explore Dental Therapy Program
Colorado Springs, CO — March 31, 2026 — Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) Foundation has received a $75,000 grant from the Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation to support the exploration and development of a dental therapy program at the college. This investment marks an important step toward expanding access to oral health care across the region while preparing students for in-demand health care careers.
The proposed program would train dental therapists, licensed mid-level oral health professionals who provide preventive and routine restorative care. Dental therapists are often compared to nurse practitioners or physician assistants in medicine. Dental therapists play a critical role in increasing access to services — particularly in rural and underserved communities — by allowing dentists to focus on more complex procedures. They are trained to perform common procedures such as fillings, preventive care and patient education, improving efficiency and access within dental practices and community clinics.
“This grant allows us to take a meaningful step toward addressing real health care gaps in our community,” said Dr. Ewa Posorski, director of the Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation Oral Health Career Center. “By exploring a dental therapy program, we are creating new opportunities for students while helping expand access to essential oral health services across Colorado.”
“Dental therapy has shown promise in many communities, and implementation must be grounded in local data and readiness,” added D.J. Close, Executive Director of Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation. “By partnering with Pikes Peak State College, this planning grant supports the work needed to align education, regulation and workforce demand as the college moves toward establishing a dental therapy program.”
With dental therapy now approved at the state level, Colorado is positioned to build education and workforce pathways in this emerging field. PPSC will begin initial planning and feasibility efforts in the coming months, working with community partners and industry leaders to ensure the program meets regional workforce needs. PPSC’s exploration of this program reflects its commitment to innovation, workforce alignment and community-centered solutions.
About the Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation Oral Health Career Center:
The Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation Oral Health Career Center was established thanks
to a generous $2.5 million grant from the Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation (DDCOF). The center
is designed to offer comprehensive dental education programs that equip students with
the skills needed to excel in their careers and serve the community effectively.
About Pikes Peak State College (PPSC):
Established in 1968 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, PPSC offers
associate degrees, certificates in career and technical fields and a growing number
of bachelor’s degrees. With four campuses, various off-campus locations, two military
education centers, and hundreds of online classes, PPSC provides access to a quality, affordable and
flexible education to more than 17,000 students annually with both credit and non-credit
classes. More information: https://www.pikespeak.edu/
Media Contact:
Rachel Tyrrell BS, BA
Content Coordinator
Marketing & Communications
mobile (719) 715-3297
email Rachel.tyrrell@pikespeak.edu