Education

     I began my college education at West Los Angeles College in 2016, attending classes in the evening while working full time as a dental assistant. After many years of working as a dental assistant I wanted to have more autonomy to treat patients and be more involved in understanding prognosis and the process of delivering care.   

     My goal was always to become a dental hygienist and work closely with dentists, physicians and health care teams. I began attaining pre requisite classes for the dental hygiene program at West Los Angeles College and in doing so I earned two associate degrees with honors. I earned an AA in health sciences and another in behavioral/social sciences with Magna Cum Laude  honors.

     Becoming a dental hygienist will provide me with the knowledge to be able to successfully treat periodontal diseases, treatment plan, recommend personalized oral hygiene instructions and recognize potentially hazardous anomalies and pathologies in a timely manner that could potentially mean the difference between life in death in some instances. 

    I have been able to finish the dental hygiene program at West Los Angeles College and will graduate June 6 2023. Going through the program has been one of the most enlightening experiences of my life, giving me the opportunity to attain higher education. I wish to pursue a master and doctorate degree in the future and be able to expand my horizons in the field of education, dentistry and health education. Once I receive my diploma it will proudly be displayed in this portion of my portfolio as Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Magna Cum Laude. 

 

National Board Dental Hygiene Examination

  • In April of 2023 I was able to take my National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and pass on my first try. It was an extensive 350 question exam including discipline based question and case studies. Waiting two weeks for my results was a stressful time but deep down inside I knew my education and dedication to studying would lead me to success. 
  • In the end my board results posted on the American Dental Association Website two weeks after my exam with a passing score. It was a blissful moment and embedded my plans for the future which involve private practice, higher education and returning as a dental hygiene educator. 

CDCA-WREB-CITA 

  • Two weeks after taking my national boards it was time to take my practical ADEX examination which involves detecting calculus, accurately measuring pocket depths and calculus removal on a typodont. This examination was graded by three different examiners and would determine my clinical skills for the accurate detection and removal of calculus and accurately measuring pocket depths.
  • Again after I was done it was time to wait for results but once again I reflected on my skills and training and received a passing score. Passing this examination would prove crucial in the dental hygiene licensing process, so much so that scores are required to be sent to the dental hygiene boards of California.  

Awards and Honors 

  • West Los Angeles College Directors Award Receipient 
    • At our pinning ceremony I had the honor of receiving one of the most prestigious awards in the program. "The director’s award is presented to the student who has displayed outstanding academic achievement in basic science and dental hygiene courses.  This student has maintained excellence throughout the program by achieving the highest grade point average and demonstrating high standards of clinical care. This student has shown exceptional performance in all areas of dental hygiene.  In honor of the achievement, the graduate will receive a monetary award and the name will be displayed on a plaque on the dental clinic wall of fame." Winning this award was a manifestation of the hard work and dedication I put into my career, my peers and family were immensly proud.
  • Colgate S.T.A.R. Award Receipient
    • I was awarded the Colgate S.T.A.R.(Student Total Achievement Recognition) Award for showing excellence and commitment to the profession of dental hygiene. This award demonstrates recognition of a student’s dedication to the dental hygiene profession, compassion in patient care, and enthusiasm for the role of the dental hygienist and community service. It was an honor to recieve this award as it has always been my goal to provide excellent patient treatment with patients needs in mind. During my time in the program there were many evaluations to complete but I never compromised patient care to complete these and had the patients best interest at heart. 
    • "This Colgate S.T.A.R., Student’s Total Achievement Recognition award is sponsored by Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals.

      The S.T.A.R. Award is presented to a graduating student who demonstrates true dedication to the dental hygiene profession, compassion for patient care, enthusiasm for community service, and potential for becoming an instructor for dental hygiene in the future.

      In honor of their achievement, the student receives a monetary and personal award, as well as their name displayed on a plaque on the wall of fame in the dental clinic at West LA College."

  • Leadership Recognition Award (CDHA Rep.) 
    • My fellow leadership officers also received recognition for their roles as leaders in the program. I was grateful to represent West Los Angeles College at the many California Dental Hygiene Association events especially at the House of Delegates in Sacramento in June of 2022. It was an honor to represent my school as it is one of the top dental hygiene schools in the country and has the highest standards of education and patient care. 
  • Voted Future DDS - I was awarded this by the student body as a future practice owner and/or future dentist award. 
  • Voted King Quizlet- Quizlet is a site I used in order to make study guides that I could share with my fellow classmates. SO much so that I along with my colleage Lauren were voted King and Queen Quizlet due to our dedication to making guides to help us and others pass exams and retain information. 
  • Parent Student Recognition- A handful of us went through the program as full time students and full time parents. My children ar 8 and 11 years old and all throuhg the program I still found time to take them to baseball, volleyball practice and games, open house and parent night for their school and was able to be a great example for them to never give up. The dedication they saw in me I would hope to pass on to them. 

Create Your Own Website With Webador