LATC Opens New Dental Radiography Lab to Support Expanding Dental Programs
- Steve Jurrens
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Lake Area Technical College has completed construction of a new Dental Radiography Lab in its 100 Building, a project designed to expand hands-on training opportunities for students in the school’s growing dental programs. According to the release, the lab is expected to be ready for student use before the end of the spring semester.
The new space sits just south of the existing dental programs area and across from the Medical Assisting program. It was built to support LATC’s upcoming Dental Hygiene program while continuing to serve students in the Dental Assisting program. The dedicated lab will allow Dental Assisting students to complete radiography training while Dental Hygiene students use the dental clinic for required clinical hours and competencies.
LATC estimates that about 73 students will benefit from the lab each academic year — roughly 60 Dental Assisting students and 13 Dental Hygiene students.
“This new lab space represents an important investment in our students, their future dental careers, and the offices that will one day employ them,” said Nicole Pahl, Dental Assisting Department Supervisor. “It provides expanded access to hands-on training, modern radiography technology, and real-world learning experiences that prepare students to meet the needs of today’s dental industry.”
The lab features six radiography operatories equipped with radiography units, dental chairs, cabinetry, and computers loaded with dental software. It also includes one of LATC’s two panoramic X‑ray machines, giving students experience with advanced imaging technology commonly used in modern dental practices.
Founded in 1965 as South Dakota’s first technical college, Lake Area Technical College now serves more than 2,800 students across more than 30 high‑demand programs. The college reports nearly 26,000 graduates, a 99% job placement or continuing‑education rate, and that 84% of its graduates live and work in South Dakota.
LATC was the 2017 recipient of the National Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. www.lakeareatech.edu