The County College of Morris received a $100,000 SMILE grant from the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation to support development and implementation of two new dental programs, Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene, housed in the forthcoming Center for Health Professions.
The grant was established in memory of Dr. Gene F. Napoliello, who for decades served as the chairperson of the Delta Dental foundation and was a passionate advocate for creating greater access to dental care for all.
“CCM is thankful to Delta Dental for this funding and is excited to partner with them and area dentists to meet the growing demand for dental services throughout Morris County,” Anthony Iacono, president of CCM, said. “We are incredibly appreciative for the support throughout the state that allows the college to begin implementation of these programs in the near future.”
The Center for Health Professions at CCM is funded through the state of New Jersey with substantial support from Gov. Phil Murphy, state Sens. Joseph Pennacchio (R-Montville), Paul Sarlo (D-Wood-Ridge), Anthony Bucco (R-Denville), Nicholas Scutari (D-Clark) and former Sen. Steven Oroho. When completed, this center will utilize state-of-the-art, cutting-edge technology and equipment throughout the 70,000-square-foot facility, providing optimal learning environments for students enrolled in the health professions programs.
“The Delta Dental Foundation’s SMILE Workforce grants are helping to bridge the gap in New Jersey’s dental assistant shortage by empowering a new generation of dental professionals, ensuring healthier smiles and communities,” Dr. Lisa Gallucci, chair of the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation, said. “We are happy to support CCM’s new dental assisting (and hygiene) programs, which will play a pivotal role in addressing the workforce needs facing Morris County dental professionals.”
“We are equally looking forward to being able to significantly impact the local health care landscape and address the shortage of trained dental professionals in New Jersey,” Iacono, said. “Through the support of organizations like Delta Dental, we fully expect to complete our mission of changing lives and strengthening communities.”
