Mid-State Technical College celebrated a significant investment in oral health education Monday, Oct. 19, with the opening of its new Oral Health Lab at the Wisconsin Rapids Campus.
College leaders, community partners and supporters gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours of the new training space, which will support Mid-State’s Dental Assistant program and its new Dental Hygienist program. The Dental Hygienist program will welcome its first core cohort in fall 2027.
“This investment is about more than opening a new lab. It’s about strengthening the oral health workforce and expanding access to care in central Wisconsin,” said Dr. Shelly Mondeik, president of Mid-State Technical College. “Through the support of our partners, we are creating opportunities for students to enter high-demand careers while building capacity to serve our communities for years to come.”
The approximately $3.5 million project was made possible through a combination of public and private support, including:
- 2023 State of Wisconsin Act 89 funding
- Delta Dental of Wisconsin, including support for Dental Assistant program equipment and the required match for 2023 Wisconsin Act 89 funding
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services Allied Health Professional Training & Educational Grant
- Guidance and support from Mid-State’s oral health advisory committee
“This new space gives our students the opportunity to learn in an environment that reflects the settings they will work in after graduation while helping us respond to a real need for skilled oral health professionals in our region,” said Daniel Wall, dean of Mid-State’s School of Allied Health. “As we prepare to begin serving the public in spring 2028, students will also gain valuable clinical experience while helping expand access to oral health services in our communities.”
The new lab provides students with a modern, hands-on learning environment designed to closely reflect professional dental settings. Students will be able to build technical skills and gain practical experience as they prepare to enter the workforce.
Beginning in spring 2028, the facility is also expected to begin serving members of the public, creating opportunities for students to gain supervised clinical experience while expanding access to oral health services in the region.
During the celebration, Mid-State also recognized Family Health Center of Marshfield, Inc. with the Mid-State Technical College Presidential Partners in Action Award in recognition of its exceptional partnership and commitment to advancing oral health education. From supporting grant writing efforts to providing access to facilities, equipment and supplies, Family Health Center has played an instrumental role in helping Mid-State expand educational opportunities and strengthen the future of the region's oral health workforce.
The new Oral Health Lab is part of Mid-State’s continued investment in health education and workforce development. The College’s Dental Hygienist program will complement its existing Dental Assistant program and provide another pathway for students interested in careers supporting the oral health needs of central Wisconsin communities.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony included remarks from Daniel Wall, dean of the School of Allied Health; Dr. Shelly Mondeik, president of Mid-State Technical College; Tanya Kieliszewski, dental hygienist at Karla R McDonald DDS; and Staci Kivi, president and CEO of the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce.
To learn more about Mid-State’s oral health programs, visit mstc.edu/programs.
