Broward College Recognizes Dr. Floyd F. Koch for Support of Dental Hygiene Program

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Tuesday, August 18, 2016) – Broward College named its dental hygiene program the “Dr. Floyd F. Koch Dental Hygiene Program,” in recognition of the retired dentist’s generous, long-term support of the College and proclaimed August 12 “Dr. Floyd F. Koch Day at Broward College.” Koch received these recognitions at Broward College’s Department of Dental Hygiene Pinning Ceremony honoring the 2016 dental hygiene graduates.

Koch has contributed more than $1 million in gifts for annual scholarships to each student graduating in the Dental Hygiene Program since 2005. He also created a $1 million endowment to fund the Dr. Floyd F. Koch Dental Hygiene Scholar Award Program, given annually to the dental hygiene student graduating with the highest grade point average, and the Dr. Floyd F. Koch Dental Hygiene Achievement Award, given annually to each Dental Hygiene Student.

“Dr. Koch has helped—and will continue to help—hundreds of students in South Florida realize their dreams through his generous contributions,” said Broward College President J. David Armstrong, Jr. “Here at Broward College, he truly has changed lives through scholarships awarded to graduates of the dental hygiene program.”

A Pompano Beach resident originally from New Jersey, Dr. Koch earned his undergraduate degree in Economics and Finance at the University of Maryland. After graduation, he served in the United States Air Force and returned to the University of Maryland to earn his degree in dentistry. Dr. Koch then established a successful dental practice in Manhattan. After an early retirement, he moved to Florida and began the philanthropic chapter of his life.

The foundation of his philanthropic efforts is built upon his strong belief in education. Over the decades, he has helped thousands of students afford a college education by providing financial assistance to students at two state universities and another state college, in addition to Broward College.

“We started with $500 for each student at graduation and now we are up to $3,000,” said Dr. Koch. “I liken (the students) to my grandchildren...[and] It’s nice that I have the ability to help them out.”

While Koch humbly describes his contributions as “helping students out,” Broward College leaders see his support as truly life changing.

“Dr. Koch helps students realize their dreams by rewarding those who achieve high marks, go to their classes, do their homework and work hard for their dreams,” said Nancy R. Botero, Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the Broward College Foundation. “We’re so grateful for Dr. Koch and all he does for students at Broward College.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of dental hygiene is growing at a much faster rate than other professions, with an increase projection of more than 19 percent by 2024. This translates into an additional 37,400 jobs in a field which will continue to grow as demand for preventative dental services become increasingly linked to general health. 

The Dr. Koch Dental Hygiene Program offers South Florida students an affordable, American Dental Association accredited program in the field of dentistry. Its unique program format, called the one-plus-one model, allows students to complete consecutive degrees within two years; a Dental Assisting (ATD) certificate program within 12 months, then an Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene the following year. 

To support the Dr. Koch Dental Hygiene Program, please contact the Broward College Foundation at (954) 201-7414 or visit browardcollegefoundation.org.