Ruling Favors Former Argosy Dental Hygiene Students to Complete Their Degree at Century College

WHITE BEAR LAKE, Minn., May 23, 2019– The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) ruled in favor today of a proposal by Century College to provide 35 former Dental Hygiene students from the recently closed Argosy University an opportunity to complete their Dental Hygiene degree. 

Following the closure of Argosy University, many Argosy students found themselves searching for options to complete degree and certificate programs started at this institution.  Argosy left students at all levels in all programs without teach out plans or clear transition options to other accredited two- and four-year colleges and universities.  Among the group of students impacted by the closure, Dental Hygiene students in their last semester needed only one course to complete their program and apply for licensure.

“I just couldn’t believe that it was happening to those students. They had invested so much time, effort and money into their education. They were coming up to the end, and were excited to get started in a career where they would be doing something that they loved,” states Tracy Kuny Century College Dental Hygiene faculty.

Fortunately, Century College, a two-year accredited community college within the Minnesota State College and University system found a path to help the 35 Dental Hygiene students realize their potential and follow their passion.

“We were extremely concerned for these displaced students, and we felt that helping them is an important part of the Century College mission to prepare, inspire and empower students to succeed in a changing world,” says Century College President Angelia Millender. “In addition to supporting these students programmatically, we felt they had paid enough in time, effort, money and turmoil. The Century College Foundation is providing scholarship funds so that they have no more barriers to completion.  Minnesota State Colleges and Universities have a positive impact on closing the Minnesota Skills Gap; this is one of those efforts.”

In collaboration with Minnesota State, state legislators, and former Argosy faculty, Century College facilitated efforts working with CODA to offer a one-time clinical course specifically designed to provide the required experience in the Dental Hygiene program, accept credits from Argosy that would count toward a degree, and partner with a clinical site that would accept these students so that they can complete their degree at Century College this summer.      

“This whole situation has been very difficult and stressful for these students,” shares Kuny. “We feel extremely fortunate that we are able to help these students complete their degree at Century College this summer.”  

Class for the former Argosy dental hygiene students will begin at Century College on Monday, June 3.

Tracy Kuny, Century College Dental Hygiene faculty, chatted with Sarah Danik, Fox9 News reporter, about the ruling. View the Fox9 story here.