Committee recommends conditional approval for Gernick Academy’s Modesto dental hygiene program
March 27, 2026 | Respiratory Care Board of California, Boards and Commissions, Executive, California
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The Dental Hygiene Board of California’s education committee voted to recommend the full board conditionally approve a new dental hygiene educational program proposed by Gernick Academy of Medical Arts in Modesto.
Staff summarized the application materials — a March 6, 2024 letter of intent and an August 2024 feasibility study included in meeting materials — and recommended conditional approval because the program is new. Michael Long moved the committee recommendation; the motion included an extendable two‑year probation period once operations begin.
Gernick representatives described the program and community need. Lisa Deanda, dean of allied health, said the Modesto campus has experience launching allied‑health programs and intends to operate a dental hygiene clinic that will provide low‑cost or free services to underserved populations. “We are going to bring a real valuable set of assets to the Central Valley,” Deanda said. Program director Brandy Piper described her background in dental hygiene education and said she plans to relocate and be present for live clinics; staff will require faculty biosketches and will review faculty qualifications before granting full approval.
Board members asked about recruiting and retaining qualified faculty and how staff would monitor progress before operations start. Staff and the executive officer said the program must submit faculty biosketches and a timeline; board staff will review and conduct a site visit before final approval and will maintain oversight during the probation period.
The committee’s recommendation now goes to the full board; the conditional approval includes a two‑year, extendable probation after program startup, and staff will return updates to the committee as required.
What happens next: Gernick must provide the requested documentation (faculty biosketches, updated timeline) and will undergo a site visit and staff review before the full board considers final approval.
Staff summarized the application materials — a March 6, 2024 letter of intent and an August 2024 feasibility study included in meeting materials — and recommended conditional approval because the program is new. Michael Long moved the committee recommendation; the motion included an extendable two‑year probation period once operations begin.
Gernick representatives described the program and community need. Lisa Deanda, dean of allied health, said the Modesto campus has experience launching allied‑health programs and intends to operate a dental hygiene clinic that will provide low‑cost or free services to underserved populations. “We are going to bring a real valuable set of assets to the Central Valley,” Deanda said. Program director Brandy Piper described her background in dental hygiene education and said she plans to relocate and be present for live clinics; staff will require faculty biosketches and will review faculty qualifications before granting full approval.
Board members asked about recruiting and retaining qualified faculty and how staff would monitor progress before operations start. Staff and the executive officer said the program must submit faculty biosketches and a timeline; board staff will review and conduct a site visit before final approval and will maintain oversight during the probation period.
The committee’s recommendation now goes to the full board; the conditional approval includes a two‑year, extendable probation after program startup, and staff will return updates to the committee as required.
What happens next: Gernick must provide the requested documentation (faculty biosketches, updated timeline) and will undergo a site visit and staff review before the full board considers final approval.
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