Rogue Community College (RCC) and healthcare provider La Clinica are strengthening their long-standing partnership to enhance dental training opportunities and help address the shortage of dental professionals in Southern Oregon. Through this collaboration, dental hygiene and dental assisting students gain valuable hands-on experience, better preparing them to enter a workforce in dire need of trained professionals.
La Clinica, which has operated a dental clinic since 2000, has partnered with RCC for more than 15 years, offering dental assisting students the chance to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Each academic year, four students from RCC participate in practicums at La Clinica’s facilities, gaining practical experience in providing patient care, a critical component of their training. This experiential learning ensures that upon graduation, RCC students are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in the fast-paced dental industry.
Dr. Amy Fine, La Clinica’s Chief Dental Officer, emphasized the importance of the partnership in both supporting the local workforce and enhancing La Clinica’s ability to serve patients. “The partnership is an essential part of how La Clinica builds capacity to serve the patients who need our care and helps build the dental workforce for our community,” she said.
With two clinics—one in East Medford and another in Central Point—La Clinica boasts 41 dental operatories. “We have a great opportunity to help train this area’s dental professionals,” Dr. Fine added. She also noted that many La Clinica employees began in entry-level roles and, through this partnership, have advanced into meaningful careers in the dental field.
RCC’s Director of Dental Programs, Carmen Mons, highlighted the mutual benefits of the collaboration. “La Clinica plays a key role in training future dental professionals who will serve the region,” Mons said. “They not only provide RCC students with critical hands-on learning opportunities, but they also contribute to curriculum development and sit on our advisory committees. This partnership ensures we are addressing the growing need for dental assistants and hygienists in the region.”
The shortage of dental professionals is a nationwide issue, according to the American Dental Association, and partnerships like the one between RCC and La Clinica are crucial in addressing this challenge. Graduates of RCC’s dental programs are well-prepared for in-demand, well-paying job opportunities in Jackson and Josephine counties, contributing to the local economy and improving access to dental care.
La Clinica, founded in 1989 as a grassroots organization initially focused on migrant health services, has since expanded into a comprehensive healthcare provider with 30 sites. These include primary care and dental clinics, school-based centers, and other community-oriented services. Its mission to provide affordable healthcare aligns with RCC’s commitment to accessible, practical education that meets the needs of the local workforce.
RCC’s Dental Programs are housed at the Health Professions Center on the Table Rock Campus in White City. Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), the programs provide comprehensive training for careers in dental assisting and dental hygiene, ensuring graduates are equipped to meet state and national certification requirements. With this solid foundation, RCC alumni are well-prepared to contribute to the region’s healthcare sector.
As the demand for skilled dental professionals continues to grow, RCC and La Clinica’s partnership remains a critical component in developing a sustainable workforce and providing quality care to the community.
