Fox Valley Technical College is among 14 technical colleges in Wisconsin set to benefit from a $2 million matching fund provided by Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation (DDWI).

The grant is part of a statewide initiative aimed at enhancing the state’s dental workforce programs and expanding access to oral healthcare across Wisconsin.

DDWI is awarding Fox Valley Technical College almost 170,000 to assist in a $2.1 million clinic expansion and renovation of learning labs.

“Expanding our space will allow us to accept additional students while also allowing us the flexibility to explore expanding other program options in the dental health field,” says Ben McKenzie, dean of Health at FVTC. “Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation has been instrumental in upgrading our current facilities by previously providing us with the funds to replace four dental chairs. It continues to be a great supporter as we grow and expand our clinic and simulation space.”

In January, Act 89 was signed into law, which allocated $20 million for oral healthcare workforce initiatives for colleges in the Wisconsin Technical College System. Each college is required to match 20% of the state funding it receives and the grant from DDWI reduces FVTC’s financial burden.

The renovation project is scheduled to begin at the end of the fall 2024 semester and will take 12-16 weeks to complete. The existing training labs and clinic will continue to operate during most of the construction updates.