Medford, Ore. (Oct.1, 2024) – Rogue Community College’s (RCC) partnership with healthcare provider La Clinica enhances training opportunities for dental hygiene and dental assisting students and helps solve the shortage of dental professionals in those fields.
La Clinica has operated a dental clinic since 2000. For more than 15 years, RCC and La Clinica have collaborated to offer hands-on learning experiences for dental assisting students. Each academic year, approximately four RCC dental assisting students participate in practicums at La Clinica, where they gain real-world experience. This partnership helps students apply the knowledge gained in RCC’s classrooms to their practical training, making them better prepared for the workforce upon graduation.
“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,” said La Clinica Chief Dental Officer Amy Fine, DMD.
“Our East Medford Dental Clinic and Central Point clinic have a total of 41 dental operatories, so we have a great opportunity to help train this area’s dental professionals,” Dr. Fine said. “La Clinica believes in developing and nurturing employees, and we have a significant number who have started in entry-level positions and then have grown with us into meaningful careers through this partnership.”
RCC’s Director of Dental Programs Carmen Mons highlighted the mutual nature of the partnership. “La Clinica plays a key role in training future dental professionals who will serve the region. They not only provide RCC students with critical hands-on learning opportunities, but they also sit on our advisory committees and support curriculum development. This collaboration benefits both organizations and ensures we are addressing the growing need for dental assistants and hygienists in the region.”
According to the American Dental Association, the United States is experiencing a shortage of dental professionals, and partnerships like the one between RCC and La Clinica are key in addressing this challenge. These collaborations prepare graduates for well-paying, in-demand job opportunities in Jackson and Josephine counties.
Founded in 1989, La Clinica began as a grassroots healthcare provider, initially offering migrant health services. Since then, it has grown into a comprehensive healthcare organization with 30 sites, including primary care and dental clinics, school-based centers, and other community-focused services. La Clinica’s mission to provide affordable healthcare aligns with RCC’s commitment to delivering accessible and practical education that meets the workforce needs of the local community.
RCC’s Dental Programs are located at the Health Professions Center on the Table Rock Campus in White City. The programs offer comprehensive education and training for students pursuing careers in dental assisting and dental hygiene. Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), RCC’s dental programs prepare graduates to meet state and national certification requirements, enabling them to enter the workforce with confidence.
More information about RCC’s Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs can be found at roguecc.edu/dental.
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For general media inquiries or to schedule an interview with RCC staff, please contact Director, Marketing & Communications/PIO Kelly Gonzales at 541-955-7525, kgonzales@roguecc.edu.