Rogue Community College is once again opening the doors of its dental hygiene clinic to the public, offering free screenings beginning the week of September 29. The initiative is led by second-year dental hygiene students who will be working under the supervision of licensed dental professionals at the college’s Table Rock Campus Health Professions Center in White City.
The program, which has become a valued part of RCC’s health sciences training, provides an opportunity for students to gain clinical experience while also making preventive dental care more accessible to the community. The screenings are offered at no cost to patients and include a limited radiographic series, commonly known as dental X-rays, along with a periodontal evaluation. The information collected during these appointments helps determine what type of hygiene services would be most appropriate for each patient.
Appointments will take place at the Dental Hygiene Clinic, located at 7731 Pacific Avenue. For RCC students, the clinic functions as a hands-on learning environment where classroom knowledge meets real-world application. For the community, it serves as a practical way to receive an oral health check without financial burden.
Dental screenings play an important role in overall health. The process can help identify early signs of gum disease, cavities, or other issues that, if left untreated, may lead to more serious health complications. Licensed faculty members directly oversee the work performed by the students, ensuring that patients receive safe, high-quality care while students build confidence and competence in a clinical setting.
Community colleges like RCC often use student-run clinics as a bridge between education and service, providing essential care to local residents who may otherwise go without it. In this case, the free screenings also help raise awareness about oral health in Southern Oregon, where access to affordable dental care can be a challenge for some households.
RCC’s program is part of a broader educational mission to prepare students for careers in health care while strengthening community ties. For many of the students, the dental hygiene program at Table Rock Campus is a stepping stone to licensure and long-term careers in private practices, community clinics, or public health facilities. The supervised screenings provide a critical foundation for that career path.
Residents interested in scheduling an appointment are encouraged to do so early, as availability may be limited once the program begins. Screenings are open to the public, not just students or employees of the college. The service is designed to benefit individuals who want a clearer picture of their oral health status and guidance on next steps for preventive or restorative treatment.
To schedule a screening, community members can call 541-955-7577 or email dentalinfo@roguecc.edu. The clinic will continue operating throughout the fall term, giving students time to see a wide range of patients and conditions.
With the program’s launch this fall, RCC continues to highlight the dual purpose of its health professions training — equipping students with essential skills while extending valuable services to the public.