Andalusia native Dennis Davis has been hired as LBWCC’s new surgical technology program head.

Davis, a 1985 Andalusia High School graduate, said he is looking forward to working with students in the program and instilling the knowledge and skills necessary for their success as a scrub tech.

Davis earned a bachelor’s degree from Huntingdon College and graduated from the surgical technology program at Flowers Hospital.

He has worked as a surgical technologist at Southeast Alabama Medical Center for the last five years, working in neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, general surgery and ob-gyn surgery.

“I’m very excited about the program,” he said. “We had a very good response to the program. We will be pursuing accreditation over the next few months.”

This is the first time in two years the college has offered the surgical tech program.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for trained surgical techs is anticipated to grow 30 percent through 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations.

“We are hearing more and more about the need for this type of training throughout our region of the country, and are pleased to once again provide this opportunity for students,” LBWCC President Dr. Herb Riedel said.

Davis has had the opportunity to precept students in his role at SAMC.

“When I first started precepting students, it was an unique opportunity to see someone who has the fundamental ability, but didn’t have the skills yet to progress. It was very rewarding to see these students and new scrub techs progress from not knowing a lot to becoming very good scrub techs. I try to be patient with those who want to learn.”

Davis said that students who complete the program will possess the skills to work in the operating room, work in dental offices, veterinarian clinics and in the central sterile processing department in the OR.

“They will also be qualified to eventually teach in surgical tech programs,” he said. “We have plans to progress the program, as well.”

Response to the program has been sizeable with more than 40 applicants.

Interviews were held this week and the field will be cut to 16.

Davis said this is the first time in 25 years he’s worked in Covington County, and it’s something he’s excited about.

“I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “It’s going to be a challenge.”

Davis is married to Katrina, and has four children – Kendra, 29; Christian, 20; Jonathan, 18; and Timothy, 13. He also has one granddaughter.