ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — With nearly half of the nation’s dental hygienists expected to retire in the next five years, the demand for new professionals is rising sharply — and local schools are feeling the pressure.
Rock Valley College’s dental hygiene program is one of them. Program Chair Dr. Marie Navickis said the two-year associate-degree program currently has 100 applicants for only 20 available spots, illustrating how competitive the field has become.
“Dental hygiene in general is very important,” Navickis said. “Dental hygienists are integral in helping patients understand how their oral health connects to their overall health.”…