Illinois Valley Community College celebrated a milestone as its first class of eight dental hygiene graduates was honored in a special ceremony on December 12, 2025, for graduates Jenna Andersen, Halie Grace, Kaylee Muntz, Morgan Myre, Rebecca Peura, Paige Sons, Madeline Stiegler, and Cassie Williams. The graduates received white lab coats and lapel pins, marking their transition into the dental care profession. IVCC stands out as one of only two community colleges in Illinois to offer a bridge program from dental assisting to dental hygiene, providing an important pathway for students seeking advancement in the field. This program is expected to help address workforce needs in dental health across the region, offering new opportunities for both students and local communities.

