West Area Health Education Center

10/16/2026

🦷✨ Exciting things are happening in dental education here at West AHEC! ✨🦷

We are excited to now have the equipment needed to help educate and inspire high school students about four-handed dentistry! 🦷🙌 🙌

Four-handed dentistry is all about teamwork, efficiency, communication, and working together to provide the best possible patient care. Having the right equipment allows students to get hands-on experience, explore the dental field, and see firsthand what it takes to be part of a successful dental team.

Our hope is to spark an interest in dentistry, open doors to future career opportunities, and encourage the next generation of dental professionals!

The future of dentistry starts with education, hands-on learning, and inspiring students to explore what’s possible!

We are still looking for community partners to allow student shadows, if you or someone you know might be interested please don’t hesitate to reach out! We do all the work for you!

10/13/2026

Help Shape the Future of Dentistry!

West Kentucky AHEC is seeking dental professionals willing to host high school students for a shadowing experience. By opening your office for just a few hours, you can inspire the next generation of dental professionals, provide valuable real-world exposure, and help strengthen Kentucky's future healthcare workforce.

We coordinate scheduling and paperwork, making participation simple and flexible. Join us in making a difference, one student at a time!

For more information on how you can get involved call or email our Dental Education Specialist, Beth Nicely. Phone: 270.824.3557 or Email: [email protected]

INSPIRE. EDUCATE. GROW KY's FUTURE!

10/13/2026

Riley is an AHEC Pathway Program Alumni! We are so proud to see her continuing on her road to being a healthcare hero!!

Way to go, Riley!!

Co-op Spotlight- Riley Gallimore

We are proud to recognize another CTC senior who is building career skills and preparing for life after high school graduation! Help us celebrate Riley Gallimore as she is taking the next steps towards her future!

10/09/2026

10/09/2026

Students at Apollo High School had the opportunity to hear from Beth about a career in dental hygiene. Her presentation highlighted the path to becoming a dental health worker and the important role these professionals play in promoting oral health and patient care.

10/09/2026

Gage was a part of the West AHEC Nurse PATH program last year! We are excited to see that he is continuing forward on his path in the medical field!

Way to go, Gage. Keep being great!

Co-op Senior Spotlight

We are excited to shine a spotlight on another co-op senior. Gage is an CNA at Baptist Health Deaconess. He is gaining real- world experience and preparing for his future career! Keep up the hard work!

10/07/2026

Myself (Kayte) and Keisha visited McLean County High School today to demonstrate what a Health Careers Club could look like for students. During the visit, we shared ideas for club activities, discussed healthcare career pathways, and highlighted opportunities for hands-on learning, guest speakers, healthcare facility tours, and career exploration experiences. The demonstration provided school staff and students with a practical example of how a Health Careers Club can engage students, increase awareness of healthcare professions, and help build a stronger future healthcare workforce in their community.

We can't wait to see this partnership with McLean Co. flourish!

10/06/2026

Keisha spent the day in Ohio County giving students an inside look at the world of Surgical Technology! Her presentations help students learn more about healthcare careers and the paths available to them.

Stay tuned to see HOSA students from Ohio County venture over to Madisonville in November for a Health Career Explorers Accelerated Program day!

10/02/2026

The newest member of the West AHEC team, Beth Nicely, recently visited Hopkins County Career & Technical Center to introduce students to the dental hygienist career pathway and highlight the growing opportunities within the dental workforce. During her presentation, she shared insights about the education, skills, and rewards of a career in dental hygiene, helping students explore healthcare options and better understand the steps needed to enter the profession. By connecting directly with students, Beth is helping strengthen the dental hygienist pipeline and encouraging the next generation of healthcare professionals to consider a future in oral health.