(ABC 6 News) – Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) officially opened its new Dental Simulation Lab on Wednesday, September 24, marking a major step in expanding dental education and community care.
The new facility is designed to grow RCTC’s Dental Assistant and Dental Hygiene programs. Officials say it will help train more allied dental professionals to meet workforce demands in southeast Minnesota.
The lab also aims to improve dental care access for uninsured individuals, recipients of public programs, and other underserved populations.
In a statement, RCTC President Dr. Jeffery Boyd called the lab “a significant investment in both our students and our community.”
Cherie Fritz, RCTC’s Dental Hygiene Program Director, said the lab allows students to “receive personalized, hands-on training in a setting that mirrors current industry standards.”
The new simulation lab complements the college’s existing 18-seat Dental Hygiene clinic. There, students work under the supervision of faculty dentists to provide care for real patients.
RCTC’s clinic is one of only three in Rochester that accepts Minnesota Medical Assistance, Medicaid, and MinnesotaCare patients. With the addition of the new lab, RCTC anticipates serving nearly 1,900 patients each year.
The $1.57 million project was funded through a combination of public and private support. Key contributors include the Delta Dental Foundation, the Mayo Clinic Foundation, and other local partners.
College officials say the lab will not only enhance students’ skills but also strengthen community dental services, reflecting RCTC’s broader mission of education and public health outreach.