As a young adult volunteer in youth ministry, Danika knew she wanted to be in the dental field at a level that influenced dental care habits toward healthy teeth and gums for those in need. Her earlier Dental Assisting training was the perfect springboard toward the next level of care and expertise she would enjoy as a Dental Hygienist.
She knew that proper dental/gum care and healthy cleaning habits taught in childhood would impact lifelong teeth, mouth and body health. And, as a Dental Hygienist, Danika would have more patient education responsibility that would influence overall body health. She was ready to upgrade her knowledge and skills and found just what she was looking for in Carrington College’s Dental Hygiene program.
How did your journey toward becoming a Dental Hygienist begin?
I completed my 2-year Dental Assisting program during my Junior and Senior years in high school. In that program I saw there were so many things you could do as a specialty in the dental industry. Dental Hygiene was a natural next step. Dental Assisting was good, but I saw myself as being more on the end of prevention in the dental industry.
I just felt like I could do more. Give advice and treatment at an earlier stage – especially with children who are just developing good dental care habits.
What motivated you toward this career choice?
Growing up I had big buck teeth and had braces for a year and a half. When I got my braces off, my teeth fit my mouth! It was in that moment I started looking into dentistry specialties I could go into.
I wanted to work with youth. Kids’ habits pave the way for how their adult teeth come in. You build good habits for the rest of your life. And, Dental Assisting was good, but I saw myself as providing more of a preventative part of dental care instead of restorative. I wanted to be on the front end of dental care.
Why Carrington College’s Dental Hygiene program?
Other colleges had a long wait list of 2-3 years. No wait list at Carrington College’s Dental Hygiene program, and I’d heard their program had won lots of awards. Plus, it was an accelerated program (in as few as 15-19 months). It checked off everything I needed.
We get to bring in our own patients to work on, in addition to the patient flow the college brings in. (All dental treatments and services are complimentary to those participating.)
Any surprises about the Dental Hygiene program?
Any surprises about the Dental Hygiene program? I applied for and won their Irving Wohl Scholarship! (For many years, and until his death at 105, Irving Wohl came to the college’s Dental program on his birthday for a complimentary cleaning, performed by Dental program students. New Dental program students are encouraged to apply for the $1,000. Scholarship by writing an essay about why they pursue a career in the dental industry.)
I sent my parents a picture of the award certificate. They were very excited.
Best thing about the Dental Hygiene program?
I always enjoy learning about dental anatomy: structure of the mouth, layers of teeth, pediatric tooth care, and the importance of early dental care. It lays the foundation of how your adult teeth form in your mouth: your speech, even the way you chew and digest food. Everything is so interconnected.
How was the college’s instructor support you were provided?
Instructors are available to us and really do all they can to help you succeed. They are there for tutoring and provide every resource we need to be successful. I really appreciate that. They take the time to help us fully understand the material – not just push us through the program.
Daniella Busbee (DH instructor) will, in her free time, do study sessions with us to give us an idea of what we need to study for a test. If you miss anything on a test, she will go over it with you. I felt very supported by my program leaders, which was confirmation I had chosen the right school
What is one of your favorite moments as a Dental Hygiene student?
Practicing instrumentation on each other in clinic and the feeling that I’m doing this right. Knowing I’m good at this. I could see myself in this profession and it made me feel that I wanted to do this for my life.
What inspired you to keep pushing ahead?
My family (Gladys/mom, Erik/dad, Erika/sister) supporting me and the future family I can one day support. And my inspiration is the career I’m building toward my future life. All my interests have to do with working with my hands: calligraphy, ceramics, sculpting with clay. Using my hands to help other people and creating my livelihood is natural to me.
My mom was ‘best foot forward’ in every aspect of her life. She does everything with a lot of empathy and to the best of her ability. I want to emulate that in my chosen profession. Both my parents are hard workers who set the ground for us to be successful. My sister is getting ready to enter law school.
Was Carrington College a good fit for you?
I think Carrington was the most transparent about enrolling in their program. They provided the information you needed and resources of people to talk to. Much easier than other schools. And the application process was smooth. They made every step of the process very clear.
Even after the (enrollment) process, they would check up on me.
How are your job prospects?
We are given a lot of resources (Carrington College’s Career Services department) that help us find our first job (and future job searches). I will start in General Dentistry, working with kids, families, adults. But I want to focus on kids and making them feel comfortable about going to the dentist.
What is your vision for the future?
In the future I would like to specialize in pediatrics or, maybe, in a hospital that provides both medical and dental care. It is very important that patients that are intubated (a tracheal tube inserted for controlled breathing) have help with oral hygiene to reduce the risk of further infection. It all ties together.
