FVTC’s $2.1-million dental space project complete, ready for patients

August 25, 2025

APPLETON – After months of construction, a $2.1 million expansion project benefiting students in the dental hygienist, dental assistant and expanded function dental auxiliary pathways is complete and ready for Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) students this fall.

Ben McKenzie, dean of Health Science, said the 3,400-square-foot project – which began in January – expanded the number of dental treatment chairs from 12 to 18, creating space for six more students to learn.

In addition, he said one classroom was converted to a simulation lab with 12 dental simulators – which allow students to practice dental procedures and explore various dental conditions.

“The project turned out fantastic,” he said. “We are excited for students to start this fall and hope they are as impressed as we are with the clinic and simulation center.”

McKenzie said the upgrades also include a larger sterilization room – which will help reduce congestion and provide more room for cleaning, sterilizing and storing dental instruments and equipment.

Dental Hygiene Department Chair Robin Eichhorst said the changes are a game-changer.

“The new central sterilization room will accommodate more students and allow them to perform sterilization tasks more efficiently,” she said. “The added clinic space allows more flexibility for our programs to share our spaces for teaching and for our students to treat patients.”