The scholarships are part of an ongoing workforce solutions strategy to help address the need for skilled dental hygienists

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Concorde Career Colleges, the healthcare brand of Universal Technical Institute, Inc., and Heartland Dental today announced the recipients of the 2026 Heartland Dental Hygiene Scholarships. As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of dental hygienists, Heartland Dental is awarding $34,500 in scholarships to 23 students at participating Concorde campuses nationwide. Each recipient will receive a $1,500 scholarship in recognition of their dedication to their education and commitment to a career in dental hygiene.

Heartland Dental, the nation's largest dental support organization, has been working with Concorde for several years to help strengthen the pipeline of skilled dental hygienists entering the profession. This marks the fifth consecutive year Heartland Dental has awarded scholarships to Concorde dental hygiene students.

"This year's Heartland Dental Hygiene Scholarship recipients reflect the passion, dedication and commitment that are important to the future of dental hygiene," said Henal Majethia, Campus Recruiting Manager at Heartland Dental. "These scholarships are one way we can support students as they prepare to enter the profession while continuing to invest in the development of a strong pipeline of talented dental hygienists who can make a meaningful difference for patients and communities."

Added Kevin Prehn, SVP, Chief Operating Officer, Universal Technical Institute, Inc.: "From mentorship to scholarships, Heartland Dental continues to show a deep commitment to Concorde students throughout their educational journey. Educator-employer partnerships like ours create meaningful pathways to employment for our students and we're grateful for Heartland Dental's ongoing investment in our students and dental programs."

In addition to the annual scholarships, Heartland Dental has collaborated with Concorde for several years to address its need for dental hygienists through company-sponsored dental hygiene labs on campus, graduate pinning ceremonies, pediatric dental events and the recent opening of the Concorde-Fort Myers campus.

Nationwide, employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 8% from 2025 to 2035, which is much faster than the overall average for all occupations.¹ In most states where Concorde has campuses, the demand is significantly higher. For example, statewide projected job growth for dental hygienists in Colorado, Florida, Oregon, Tennessee and Texas ranges from 12% to 22% between 2024 and 2034.²

The 2026 scholarship recipients include:

Kaitlyn Faggiano, Concorde–Denver
Calista Jamnik, Concorde–Denver
Bianca Purkett, Concorde–Jacksonville
Tyra Carter, Concorde–Jacksonville
Jenae McKinney, Concorde–Miramar
Fedlene Sainvil, Concorde–Miramar
Elizabeth Cagle, Concorde–Orlando
Savens Occulis, Concorde–Orlando
Ashley Chin, Concorde–Tampa
Bethsy Dorce, Concorde–Tampa
Florliz Mungai, Concorde–Kansas City
Narda Forward, Concorde–Kansas City
Annaka Spears, Concorde–Portland
Autumn Westergren, Concorde–Portland
Markeia Milam, Concorde–Memphis
Jesita Campos, Concorde–Memphis
Claira Rhodes, Concorde–Memphis
Isha Jah, Concorde–Dallas
Kasaundra Boxell, Concorde–Dallas
Lirija Ademi, Concorde–Grand Prairie
Tanzim Chalwell, Concorde–Grand Prairie
Kinjal Patel, Concorde–San Antonio
Krystal Chavez, Concorde–San Antonio

To learn more about Concorde's dental hygiene program, visit concorde.edu/dental-programs/dental-hygiene.

¹Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook for Dental Hygienists nationally, 2025-2035, viewed September 8, 2026.

²Source: U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Long-Term Projections, 2024-2034, for dental hygienists in Colorado, Florida, Oregon, Tennessee and Texas viewed September 8, 2026.

About Concorde Career Colleges|

Concorde Career Colleges, the healthcare brand of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE:UTI), is committed to preparing tomorrow's healthcare professionals for rewarding, in-demand careers in nursing, dental, respiratory, diagnostic, and allied health. Through strategic partnerships, Concorde provides meaningful workforce solutions for some of the nation's leading dental and healthcare systems. Concorde operates 18 campuses across eight states and online under the brands Concorde Career College and Concorde Career Institute, which are accredited either by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges or the Council on Occupational Education. For more information, visit LinkedIn at @Concorde Career Colleges, or on X at @ConcordeCareer.

About Heartland Dental

Heartland Dental is the nation's largest dental support organization, providing non-clinical administrative support services. What started from the entrepreneurial spirit of Rick Workman, DMD, with his single dental practice, has evolved into affiliating with over 3,000 doctors in over 1,900 locations across 38 states and the District of Columbia. The company is majority owned by KKR, a leading global investment firm. For additional information, please visit heartland.com.

Media Contact:

Sharon Rolenc

srolenc@uti.edu

612-720-2083

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SOURCE Concorde Career Colleges