North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is celebrating a major milestone as its HOSA-Future Health Professionals chapter makes its debut at the State Leadership Conference (SLC). The event, held March 16-18 in Bismarck, brought together students from across the state to compete in various healthcare-related events.

Cierra Erickson, a first-year Dental Hygiene student at NDSCS, made an impressive showing by placing first in the “Dental Terminology” testing event, earning a gold medal. Her victory qualifies her to compete at the international level this summer in Nashville, Tennessee.

Originally from Minot, ND, Erickson has been involved in HOSA since high school and now serves as co-president of the NDSCS chapter.

This is the first year NDSCS has had an official HOSA chapter, making Erickson’s achievement even more significant. The college is now one of only four post-secondary institutions in North Dakota with a HOSA chapter, joining North Dakota State University, the University of North Dakota, and Lake Region State College.

HOSA is a growing organization in North Dakota, with more than 850 members statewide spanning middle school, high school, and post-secondary education. More than 350 students attended this year’s SLC, highlighting the increasing interest in healthcare professions among students.

With its new HOSA chapter already making an impact, NDSCS is looking forward to further opportunities for its students to excel in the healthcare field.

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) Allied Dental Education students participated in the American Dental Association’s annual Give Kids A Smile® Day on Friday, February 7th, at the Mayme Green Allied Health Center on the NDSCS Wahpeton campus. 

During the half-day event, NDSCS Dental students provided free dental services, including cleanings, radiographs, sealants, fluoride applications, and oral health education to underserved children in the community. Some patients also received basic restorative procedures, simple extractions, and comprehensive exams as needed. Patients were assessed by Dr. Orvin Lies, DDS, a retired dentist from Elbow Lake Dental, who works alongside the students in the dental clinic at NDSCS. 

Dental students treated 20 patients between the ages of 3 and 18 during the event, with services valuing over $7920 in free dental care. 

"This is a wonderful event that provides access to dental care for children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to have their dental needs met,” said Chanel Malone, Associate Professor and Dental Assisting Program Coordinator. 

“Give Kids A Smile Day was very rewarding for us students,” shared Alexa Sundley, NDSCS Dental Student. “We enjoyed helping kids get the smiles they deserve.” 

The American Dental Association launched Give Kids A Smile® in 2003 to provide dental care to children who may otherwise struggle to access services due to financial limitations. Dentists, students, and other dental professionals volunteer their time to provide screenings, treatments, and education to children nationwide. 

“I enjoy working with the students at NDSCS. They do a very nice job, and working with them at this event is a lot of fun,” said Dr. Orvin Lies, DDS. 

For more information about the highly-rated Dental programs at NDSCS, visit NDSCS.edu/Dental.

The Beta Mu Rho chapter of Phi Kappa Theta at North Dakota State College of Science is proud to announce that four outstanding students have been named to the 2025 North Dakota Academic All-State Team. This honor highlights the exceptional academic achievements of community college students. 

The Workforce Pathway Scholars are students who plan to begin their professional careers immediately after graduation, while the Transfer Pathway Scholars intend to continue their education at a four-year institution upon completing their community college studies. 

The students, listed with their program of study and hometown, are:

• Transfer Pathway Scholars:
  • Kaylee Stegora, Liberal Arts, Monticello, Minn.
  • Madison Thompson, Pharmacy Technician, Hatton, N.D.
• Workforce Pathway Scholars:
  • Moriah Blazek, Business Management, Wyndmere, N.D.
  • Cierra Erickson, Dental Hygiene, Minot, N.D.

These students represent a variety of disciplines, reflecting the diverse opportunities at NDSCS. Sponsored by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Coca-Cola, this recognition underscores the importance of academic excellence in community colleges. 

Students named to the North Dakota Academic All-State Team are also considered for nomination as the state’s New Century Scholar and membership on the All-USA Academic Team. 

The honorees will be celebrated at the North Dakota Academic All-State Team banquet, hosted in Bismarck on Wednesday, March 19th. This event will bring together state leaders, educators, and community members to honor the achievements of these exceptional students.

The Beta Mu Rho chapter of Phi Kappa Theta at North Dakota State College of Science is proud to announce that four students have been named to the 2024 North Dakota Academic All-State Team, which recognizes the academic achievements of community college students.

Workforce Pathway Scholars plan to begin their careers immediately upon graduation, and Transfer Pathway Scholars plan to continue their education at a four-year institution after completing their studies at a community college.

The students, listed with their program of study and their hometown, are:

• Transfer Pathway Scholars:
  • Rose Wendel, Agriculture, LaMoure, N.D.
  • Kyra Bellew, Dental Hygiene, Wahpeton, N.D.
• Workforce Pathway Scholars:
  • Brayden Schmeichel, Construction Management Technology, Jamestown, N.D.
  • Katie Willprecht, Nursing, Lidgerwood, N.D.

The Academic All-State team is sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and Coca Cola. Students named to the North Dakota Academic All-State Team will be considered for nomination as the state’s New Century Scholar as well as membership on the All-USA Academic Team.

The students will be recognized at the North Dakota Academic All-State Team banquet hosted by North Dakota State College of Science on Wednesday, March 20th.

Marlee Schweitzer, a Dental Hygiene student at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) has been named a 2023 New Century Workforce Scholar and will receive a $1,250 scholarship.

This scholarship is the first of its kind to support students at associate degree-granting institutions on a national scale as they plan to enter the workforce upon the completion of a degree or certificate. The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

New Century Workforce Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. Over 2,400 students were nominated from more than 1,300 college campuses across the country. Only one New Century Workforce Scholar was selected from each state.

“We congratulate Marlee for receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation to recognize these outstanding achievements,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “Scholarship programs like this are integral for creating opportunities for students to succeed as they prepare to enter the workforce and for putting college completion within reach.”

The New Century Workforce Scholars will be recognized in the fall.

The North Dakota State College of Science Allied Dental Education Clinic will participate in the annual American Dental Association’s Give Kids a Smile® Day on Friday, February 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mayme Green Allied Health Center on the NDSCS campus at 800 6th Street North, Wahpeton, N.D.

During this event, NDSCS Allied Dental students will perform cleanings, radiographs, sealants, fluoride applications, and oral health education. Services provided may also include basic restorative procedures, simple extractions, and patient exams. The clinic will provide dental care to individuals ranging in age from 3 to 18.

All patients must have appointments in advance. A parent or legal guardian must accompany patients younger than 18 years. To schedule an appointment, please contact the NDSCS Allied Dental Education Clinic at 1-800-342-4325 ext. 3-2333 or 701-671-2333.

The American Dental Association began the Give Kids a Smile program in 2003 as a way for dentists to join with others in the community to provide dental services to children who may have difficulty accessing dental care, or families with limited financial resources. Dentists and other team members volunteer their time and services to provide screenings, treatments, and education to children throughout the United States.

The North Dakota State College of Science Allied Dental Education Clinic will participate in the annual American Dental Association’s Give Kids a Smile^® Day on Friday, February 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mayme Green Allied Health Center on the NDSCS campus at 800 6^th Street North, Wahpeton, N.D.

A parent or legal guardian must accompany patients younger than 18 years. To schedule an appointment, please contact the NDSCS Allied Dental Education Clinic at 1-800-342-4325 ext. 3-2333 or 701-671-2333.

This nationwide event designates a day of free dental care for children who may have difficulty accessing dental care or families with limited financial resources. The clinic will provide dental care to individuals ranging in age from three to 18.

Services provided may include basic restorative procedures, simple extractions and patient exams. NDSCS Allied Dental students will perform cleanings, radiographs, sealants, fluoride applications and oral health education. More than $19,000 worth of donated services was provided to local children in 2019 with the help of volunteers, local and regional dentists, hygienists, assistants and the NDSCS Allied Dental Education Department staff and students.