Rogue Community College will offer free dental hygiene screenings to community members during the first week of its winter term, providing access to preventive oral health services while supporting hands-on clinical education for students in Southern Oregon. The screenings are scheduled for January 5 through January 9, 2026, and will take place at the RCC Dental Hygiene Clinic located on the college’s Table Rock Campus in White City.
The no-cost screenings are available to the public for a limited time and are designed to serve a dual purpose, expanding access to basic dental care for residents while giving students in RCC’s Dental Hygiene Program an opportunity to apply classroom learning in a real-world clinical environment. During this initial week of the winter term, the clinic will focus exclusively on free screenings before transitioning to its standard schedule of affordable preventive dental services later in the term.
Screenings will be conducted by dental hygiene students who are completing required clinical training as part of their academic program. All services are performed under the direct supervision of licensed dental professionals, ensuring patient safety while maintaining professional standards of care. The clinical setting mirrors a traditional dental office, allowing students to gain experience working with patients from the broader community while refining technical and communication skills essential to their future careers.
“These screenings provide a dual benefit,” said Carmen Mons, director of RCC Dental Programs. “Our students gain valuable real-world clinical experience, and community members receive a no-cost service that can support their oral health. We’re proud to offer this resource to Southern Oregon.”
Dental hygiene screenings typically include an evaluation of overall oral health, identification of potential concerns, preventive care recommendations, and education on daily oral hygiene practices. While the screenings do not replace comprehensive dental exams, they can help individuals better understand their oral health status and determine whether follow-up care may be needed. Participants may also become eligible for additional low-cost dental services offered by the clinic later in the winter term.
Throughout the academic year, the RCC Dental Hygiene Clinic provides a range of affordable preventive services to the public. These services commonly include dental sealants, fluoride treatments, debridement procedures, and laser therapy, all delivered in an educational setting that prioritizes both quality care and student learning outcomes. The clinic serves as a key training site for students while helping reduce barriers to dental care for residents in Jackson County and the surrounding region.
In addition to hygiene screenings, RCC dental assistant and dental hygiene students will be offering free full-mouth X-rays for qualifying patients during the winter term. These X-rays are part of the students’ radiology training and are typically a required component of dental diagnostic care. Eligibility requirements apply, and availability may be limited based on clinical schedules and training needs.
Appointments are required for all screenings and services at the RCC Dental Hygiene Clinic. Community members are encouraged to schedule early, as appointment slots are limited and tend to fill quickly during no-cost service periods. Appointments can be made by calling the clinic at 541-755-7577 or by emailing dentalinfo@roguecc.edu.
Rogue Community College continues to emphasize community engagement as part of its health care training programs, using supervised clinical services to meet educational goals while addressing local needs. The January screening week reflects the college’s broader mission to provide accessible education, workforce preparation, and practical services that benefit both students and the communities they serve.
Additional information about the RCC Dental Hygiene Clinic, including services and scheduling details, is available at www.roguecc.edu/clinic. Information about RCC’s Dental Programs and related educational offerings can be found at www.roguecc.edu/dental.