Lake Area Technical College Welcomes First Class of Dental Hygiene Students to Campus
August 26, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WATERTOWN, S.D. — Lake Area Technical College (LATC) has received initial accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) for its new Dental Hygiene program. The college welcomed its first students on Aug. 24. This makes LATC the only college in the state offering an Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene.
The accreditation marks a significant milestone for LATC and expands educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in the dental profession, while helping address a growing workforce shortage across South Dakota.
“Launching a dental hygiene program is an exciting step for students, our community, and the dental professionals who are counting on a strong pipeline of highly skilled professionals,” said Tiffany Sanderson, President at Lake Area Technical College. “Securing accreditation affirms that our program meets the highest standards of quality and allows us to begin preparing the next generation of dental hygiene professionals right here in South Dakota.”
The Associate of Applied Science degree program is designed to align with South Dakota licensure requirements for dental hygienists and CODA standards for educational quality. Graduates will be prepared to pursue licensure and enter the workforce with the complete scope of practice and professional responsibilities of a licensed dental hygienist.
Lake Area Tech has offered a Dental Assisting program for 60 years. The addition of the dental hygiene program offers a unique stackable credential pathway. Students who complete a CODA accredited Dental Assisting program and the required general education courses are eligible to apply to the Dental Hygiene program, which consists of three additional semesters of instruction.
“Our Dental Hygiene program provides students with a high-quality education that prepares them to enter into an in-demand profession,” said Dr. Darlene Bogenpohl, LATC Dental Hygiene Program Director. “Students will gain the skills needed to succeed while helping meet a critical workforce need in South Dakota.” Dr. Bogenpohl joined LATC with extensive knowledge and experience in dental hygiene education, bringing valuable expertise to the program.
About LATC
Founded in 1965, Lake Area Technical College serves nearly 2,800 students and offers more than 30 career-focused programs designed to meet workforce needs. The college has a 99 percent placement rate, with most graduates choosing to live and work in South Dakota.
Lake Area Tech’s mission is to provide superior, comprehensive technical education that changes lives and launches careers. The college received the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, recognizing it as the top two-year college in the nation. For more information and to apply, visit: www.lakeareatech.edu.