Imagen Dental Partners Collaborates with Concorde Career Colleges to Combat Dental Hygiene Shortage in California

Addressing the Dental Hygiene Workforce Challenge in California

In a significant move to tackle the increasing demand for dental hygienists in California, Imagen Dental Partners has announced a partnership with Concorde Career Colleges. This collaboration is set to support and nurture the next generation of dental professionals, ensuring that the future workforce is well-equipped to meet the needs of the community.

The Initiative

On January 22, 2025, Concorde Career Colleges revealed this strategic partnership which features a financial commitment from Imagen Dental Partners. The company has pledged a total of $10,000 in scholarships for students enrolled in Concorde’s dental hygiene programs located at their campuses in Garden Grove, San Bernardino, and San Diego. More excitingly, Imagen has plans to double the scholarship amount to $20,000 later this year, thereby increasing the financial support for aspiring hygienists.

The impact of this initiative is especially noteworthy given the current labor market dynamics. According to projections, the employment of dental hygienists across the United States is forecasted to rise by 9% from 2023 to 2033, significantly outpacing the average growth for all occupations. In California alone, the growth is expected to reach 15.2% by 2032, emphasizing the urgent need for a skilled workforce in the dental hygiene sector.

Strengthening Educational Connection

Dr. Sameer Puri, Chief Clinical Officer at Imagen Dental Partners, expresses his enthusiasm regarding the collaboration, stating, "At Imagen we recognize the importance of nurturing the next generation of clinicians, and several of our partners have graduates from Concorde that were well-prepared for the workforce, so it seemed like a natural fit."

This sentiment highlights the partnership's commitment to educational excellence and serves to create a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to step into the workforce once they graduate. Dr. Puri further mentioned, "By providing these scholarships, Imagen is demonstrating our commitment to foster talent and empower individuals who are passionate about making a meaningful impact in healthcare."

Concorde's president, Kevin Prehn, has also voiced optimism, noting, "We’re thrilled to partner with Imagen Dental Partners and are impressed with their unique business model... Our students are grateful for the scholarship support, and we look forward to forging new employment pathways with Imagen for our graduates."

Expanding Opportunities

Beyond California, Imagen Dental Partners aims to engage with Concorde's dental hygiene students in other states, including Florida and Texas. These initiatives will involve campus visits and career fairs, ensuring that students are well aware of employment opportunities available to them as they prepare to enter the workforce.

This expanded outreach shows a proactive approach in addressing workforce demands across multiple states, allowing Imagen Dental to establish a robust link between education and employment.

About the Partners

Concorde Career Colleges stands as a leader in health care education, operating 17 campuses across eight states with a strong focus on preparing students for various healthcare professions. With a balanced model that incorporates online coursework alongside hands-on lab classes, Concorde provides a comprehensive education that ensures graduates are workplace-ready.

Furthermore, Imagen Dental Partners operates as a Dental Partnership Organization (DPO) with over 100 partner practices across 15 states, promoting clinical autonomy and excellence in dental services. Their collaborative approach in managing dental practices fosters an environment of innovation which is so vital in today's healthcare landscape.

In conclusion, the partnership between Imagen Dental Partners and Concorde Career Colleges marks a pivotal step forward in addressing the crucial demand for dental hygienists in California. With robust financial support and a proactive approach to workforce development, both organizations are poised to make a meaningful impact in the field of dental hygiene education and employment.