Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) held a grand opening ceremony for its new dental simulation laboratory on Wednesday, September 24.
The laboratory aims to expand dental education, grow dental assisting and dental hygiene programs, and prepare more highly trained dental professionals for the job market.
The college stated that another key goal of the new laboratory is to improve access to dental care for the uninsured, recipients of public programs, and underserved populations in southeastern Minnesota.
RCTC President Dr. Jeffery Boyd called the facility “a significant investment for our students and the community” in a press release.
RCTC Dental Hygiene Program Director Cherie Fritz noted in a press release that the laboratory provides students with the opportunity to receive personalized, hands-on training in an environment that meets current industry standards.
The new laboratory will join the college’s existing network of 18 dental hygiene clinics and laboratories. College dentists will provide clinical guidance for students, who will also address oral health issues in front of real patients.
The facility is one of only three clinics in the Rochester area serving Minnesota Medicaid, Medicaid, and MinnesotaCare patients. RCTC anticipates that the new laboratory will serve nearly 1,900 patients annually.
The project, costing approximately $1.57 million, was funded through a public-private partnership with organizations including the Delta Dental Foundation and the Mayo Clinic Foundation.
The college stated that the new facility will enhance professional education and training while expanding access to community oral health services.