Residents of Southern Oregon will soon have an opportunity to receive free dental hygiene screenings while helping train the next generation of oral health professionals. Rogue Community College has announced that its Dental Hygiene Clinic will offer complimentary screenings to members of the public during the first week of the college’s spring term, providing a community-focused service that also supports hands-on education for students in its dental programs.
The screenings will take place from March 30 through April 4, 2026, at the college’s Table Rock Campus in White City. Evening and Saturday appointments will be available during that period, allowing patients with busy weekday schedules to participate. The clinic operates as part of the college’s Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs and serves as a clinical training environment where students gain practical experience working with patients.
The clinic is open to the public and functions throughout the academic year as a teaching facility that provides dental hygiene services at significantly reduced costs. During the screening week, however, the initial oral health assessments will be offered free of charge. These screenings are designed to help identify patients’ oral health needs and determine whether they may benefit from additional preventive dental care offered through the program later in the term.
All services at the clinic are carried out by students who are working toward professional credentials in dental hygiene and dental assisting. Their work is closely supervised by licensed dental professionals and experienced faculty members who guide the clinical process and ensure that proper safety standards and professional practices are followed. This structure allows patients to receive careful attention while students gain essential real-world clinical training.
For students enrolled in the dental programs, the screening sessions represent an important step in preparing for careers in oral health care. Clinical education is a major component of dental training, and the experience of evaluating patients, discussing preventive care, and performing supervised procedures helps students build the confidence and practical skills required in professional dental settings.
Community members who participate in the screenings can expect a basic assessment of their oral health. The evaluation may include a review of the condition of teeth and gums, along with recommendations for preventive care and guidance on maintaining effective oral hygiene habits. The goal of the screening process is not only to identify potential dental concerns but also to provide education that can help patients maintain better oral health over time.
Individuals who take part in the screening may also become eligible for additional low-cost dental hygiene services offered later in the academic term. These services often include preventive treatments commonly recommended by dental professionals, such as dental X-rays, protective sealants, fluoride treatments, and teeth whitening procedures. Because the services are part of a training program, they are typically offered at a lower cost than those found in many private dental practices.
Programs such as the RCC Dental Hygiene Clinic serve an important role in the community by expanding access to preventive dental care while also strengthening the region’s health workforce. By combining clinical education with public service, the program provides both practical experience for students and a valuable resource for residents who may be seeking affordable oral health care options.
Appointments are required for the screening sessions, and space is limited due to the number of students participating in the clinical training process. Those interested in scheduling an appointment can contact the RCC Dental Hygiene Clinic directly by phone at 541-955-7577 or by email at dentalinfo@roguecc.edu. Additional information about the clinic and the college’s dental programs is available through Rogue Community College’s website.