While Many Training Programs Struggle, KCC Sees Rise in Enrollment

In the early to mid-90s, enrollment in the dental technology department at Kirkwood Community College (KCC) was so low there was talk of shutting its doors. Today, those doors are still open and stay open even later thanks to growing enrollment numbers.

KCC —one of only 19 ADA-accredited programs left in the country — had always limited the program to 15 students due to lack of space but, three years ago, the program's waiting list grew to the point where the school could justify adding an evening program. Currently, there are 24 full-time students: 15 during the day and nine in the evening.

According to Betty Mitchell, Program Coordinator and a KCC graduate, several factors are working in Kirkwood's favor, including the high rate of unemployment. "Our numbers began to steadily increase just as the economy started to decline," says Mitchell. "People were losing their jobs and taking the opportunity to change their careers." About half of the students have entered...