ICCC board OKs new dental assistant program

Kinney's resignation is effective Dec. 31 as he takes new job

A new program might be drawing in about a dozen new students to Iowa Central Community College next year.

During its meeting on Tuesday, the college's Board of Trustees voted to approve the creation of a dental assistant program. The college already has a dental hygiene program, but does not offer dental assistant training.

"We don't need any space for it -- they'll go out and work in the dentist offices themselves," said college President Dan Kinney. "Equipment costs right now on the high side will be about $39,000."

The program will need a full-time faculty member who can coordinate the dental assistant program, he added.

"This is a diploma program," Kinney said. "Students will be enrolled in a fall, a spring and a summer (term). This is something our local dentists have needed."

The program will still have to be approved at the state level before it is officially established during 2021.

Newly-elected board member Brandon Wessels was given the oath of office, filling the District 2 seat left vacant by Terri Wessels.

Board member Mark Crimmins was reelected board president during the meeting. Member Larry Hecht was elected board vice president.

During the board's consent agenda, the board accepted the resignation of Kinney, effective Dec. 31. Kinney has accepted the position of college president at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs.