Ontario Dental College Faces Closure Amid Provincewide Student Aid Freeze

An established career college in Hamilton that trains dental hygienists and assistants warns it may shut down as early as next month. The potential closure is driven by a provincewide freeze on student financial assistance for private post-secondary institutions.

Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn implemented the payment halt last month following issues discovered during the early phases of a sector-wide audit. Officials noted that provincial grants to career colleges nearly doubled between recent academic years, prompting the government to pause funding to ensure system integrity.

With tuition costs high and most students depending on financial aid, the college stated it cannot survive without alternative funding while the pause extends into the new year. Administrators and students alike expressed deep concern over the uncertainty, noting that the freeze is jeopardizing educational goals and forcing individuals to seek outside support, including setting up an on-campus food bank.