When Illinois Valley Community College’s dental assisting program did the Give Kids a Smile campaign, more than 50 area children got free dental care. That and the fact that a dozen or more students look for more than a dental assisting certificate every year have the college considering starting a dental hygiene program. Give Kids a Smile is run by the American Dental Association.
In another area, a program the college is starting is an agricultural studies certificate. The 16-credit certificate would help students become qualified for entry level positions at many area businesses, according to college president Jerry Corcoran. Many agricultural jobs are at businesses farmers use but not on farms themselves.