MESA, Ariz. – Oct. 3, 2023 – The Mesa Community College (MCC) Dental Hygiene Program earns full accreditation through 2029 from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
CODA is a specialized national accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that serves the public and dental professions by developing and implementing accreditation standards that promote and monitor the continuous quality and improvement of dental education programs. These standards are intended to reflect the information a student needs to know to function successfully within that profession or functional area.
“The earning of full accreditation is the result of the collaborative efforts and professionalism of the entire Dental Hygiene team. This emphasizes our commitment to excellence and to regularly evaluating the program’s quality and effectiveness,” said MCC Dental Hygiene Program Director Kimberlee Zitek. “Our students can rest assured knowing that the MCC Dental Hygiene Program’s academic courses meet the highest national standards.”
She went on to say that accreditation also serves the public interest as a tool intended to help assure a well-prepared and qualified workforce is providing essential services.
A career as a dental hygienist is an in-demand position that forms a critical part of a dental team’s success. “A path for a career in dental hygiene is offered at MCC with instructors who have actual experience and teach the essential skills and safety guidelines,” Zitek added.
Dental hygienists learn to assess and diagnose the oral health of patients and then provide the necessary treatment. In the MCC program, students learn to perform preliminary assessments, take radiographs and various hygiene therapies. “As a licensed dental hygienist, students may be employed in a general or specialty dental practice in private or public healthcare settings,” Zitek continued.
Learn more about the MCC Dental Hygiene Program, on the college’s website, mesacc.edu.
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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. Host to more than 24,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. MCC is transforming student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. Nearly 50% of MCC students are the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges. The American Indian Institute serves students from 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes and out-of-state tribes. Our diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.
MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.