WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University’s Sarah Whitaker Glass School of Dental Hygiene has once again received accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements” from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), reaffirming the program’s longstanding commitment to educational excellence and professional preparation.
At its February 5, 2026 meeting, the Commission on Dental Accreditation granted the program the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements,” a designation that reflects full compliance with CODA’s rigorous national standards and indicates that no additional reporting or follow-up requirements were necessary.
“We are very proud that our long-standing Dental Hygiene Program has once again received the accreditation status of ‘approval without reporting requirements’ from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), reflecting our ongoing commitment to educational excellence, student success, and continuous program improvement,” said Stephanie Meredith, chair of the Sarah Whitaker Glass School of Dental Hygiene. “This recognition affirms the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students, who work collaboratively to maintain the highest standards in education and professional preparation. Achieving this level of recognition demonstrates that our program not only meets but exceeds the rigorous standards established by CODA for educational excellence. We remain dedicated to ongoing assessment, innovation, and improvement to ensure that our program continues to provide an outstanding educational experience. We are grateful for the efforts of everyone involved in the accreditation process and for the University’s unwavering support of our program.”
Joseph Horzempa, Ph.D., interim dean of the College of Sciences, also praised the program and its faculty.
“I want to commend Professor Stephanie Meredith for her leadership as well as the efforts of the Dental Hygiene faculty and staff at West Liberty University,” Horzempa said. “This exemplary accreditation report demonstrates why this program has ‘stood the test of time’ as the longest active Dental Hygiene program in the state, and why this program produces the very best dental hygienists in the region year after year.”
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Cathy Monteroso, Ed.D., highlighted the program’s strong preparation of students entering the dental health workforce.
“I am incredibly proud of our Dental Hygiene program and the outstanding outcome of the recent accreditation site visit,” Monteroso said. “The team demonstrated exceptional preparation, professionalism, and a deep commitment to student success. Our facilities provide an excellent environment for hands-on practicum experiences, ensuring our students are workforce-ready on day one.”
The program, housed within West Liberty University’s College of Sciences, prepares students with the knowledge, clinical skills, and professional experience necessary to succeed as licensed dental hygienists and to serve patients and communities throughout the region.
The program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements”. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (800) 232-6108 or at 401 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3300, Chicago, IL 60611-4250. The Commission’s web address is: https://coda.ada.org/.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. To apply or learn more about West Liberty University, visit westliberty.edu.
Media Contact:
Rhone Thrash
West Liberty University
rhone.thrash@westliberty.edu
