The County College of Morris (CCM) Foundation has announced a $1 million grant from the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation—the largest corporate foundation gift in the college’s history.
The landmark funding will directly support the launch of CCM’s new Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs, which will be housed in the college’s state-of-the-art Center for Health Professions, currently under construction.
The $1 million grant follows a preliminary $100,000 “SMILE” grant awarded by Delta Dental in 2024, bringing the company’s total recent investment in CCM’s dental initiatives to $1.1 million. The funds will be used to equip the new facility with advanced dental technologies and simulated clinical environments.
“Delta Dental’s commitment… will allow the college to prepare the next generation of dental professionals,” Anthony Iacono, president of CCM said. “Future students will enter the medical/dental workforce equipped with the skills necessary to meet the dental needs in the region.”
The forthcoming Center for Health Professions is an 80,000-square-foot facility scheduled to open in Winter 2027. Funded through a combination of state, county, and philanthropic support, the center will serve as a regional hub for medical training.
The dental wing of the facility will be designed to mimic leading medical centers, featuring:
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State-of-the-art laboratories for hands-on technical training.
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Innovative learning spaces that facilitate collaborative healthcare education.
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Public-facing clinics intended to enhance regional oral health by providing accessible, high-quality preventive care.
For Delta Dental, the grant represents a strategic investment in the long-term health of the New Jersey community.
“Building a strong, diverse dental workforce is critical to the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation’s 40-year mission,” Paul Di Maio, president and CEO of Delta Dental of New Jersey said. “By supporting the Center for Health Professions, we are transforming our corporate success into a permanent community asset.”
Kelly Meola, executive director of the CCM Foundation, noted that this historic gift highlights the critical role of community partnerships in expanding educational boundaries. The foundation continues to seek support from alumni and local leaders to fully realize the potential of the new healthcare center.
