Saraya always knew she wanted to be in the dental field. She watched her mom, a Dental Assistant, enjoy a satisfying career. She set her career sights in that same direction. As a recent graduate of Carrington College’s Dental Assisting program, Saraya is settling into her newly minted career and feeling the confidence and inspiration to expand her expertise. Carrington College’s Dental Hygiene program feels like the right move, and she is set to advance her education in a program starting next year.
What was your first impression of Carrington College’s Dental Assisting program?
Everyone in Admissions made you feel welcome. I did the tour and they explained what exactly I would be doing in the dental industry. We looked at schedule options: mornings, afternoons or evenings and which days of the week I would go. It was something I could easily manage, while still working.
Was Carrington College’s Dental Assisting program a good springboard to Dental Hygienist?
I learned so much while I was in this Dental Assisting program. Medical terminology and procedures, infection control, cross contamination – things I would need to know in any position in the dental field. You have to have familiarity with this industry to grow.
But mostly I love working with patients, and as a Dental Hygienist I would get to work with them more directly as a provider than as a dental assistant. I’m taking pre-requisites now to get into Carrington’s Dental Hygiene program.
Did the Dental Assisting program confirm your interest in this career direction?
I like hands-on, helping people and, as a Dental Hygienist, I would be working even more closely with patients. A lot of people have a fear of going to the dentist and I want to calm them through it, explain what I will be doing, make them feel more comfortable. As a Dental Assistant I am assisting someone else providing that connection.
How do you balance your Dental Assisting position with Pre-Dental Hygiene classes?
I’m working full time as a Dental Assistant during the day and have my Dental Hygiene pre-req classes two nights a week. I will start the Dental Hygiene program full-time in December 2027.
What did you enjoy most about your Dental Assisting program?
Clinical labs (on campus) where we got to bring our own ‘patients’ for practice. I brought my dad and mom who, as a Registered Dental Assistant, would point out things I might do differently – she was just being a stickler. But she’s a big reason I keep pushing in school – and in life. Dad was more mellow – took it like a champ.
It is impressive that all the labs and equipment we used (on campus in the Dental Assisting program) were up-to-date.
Any surprises as you practiced on real ‘patients’?
It was interesting, applying everything we learned in class in a real dental office setting. But no matter how much you study or practice in the lab, in the real world, you will see 10-20 patients a day in a fast-paced office! I was well prepared but didn’t realize how different it is on the outside. But after a few days, you gain confidence and get the flow down of how an office works.
Did you get the instructor support you needed in your Dental Assisting program?
My instructors made every day fun. If I had any questions, they were quick to help. They have open labs after class and even if I’m home, I can reach out to them with emails or zoom messages. They were always responsive.
What was the greatest struggle in your Dental Assisting program?
Nothing was too difficult, but time management, occasionally. It took some time getting into the rhythm of going to class, studying and working. But I felt like I made a great decision – especially after I decided I would go on to be a dental hygienist.
Did you have family support at home?
I live at home with my parents and three younger siblings for whom I want to be a good role model. My family encourages me and supports me emotionally and helps financially. I am forever grateful to them.
Do you have a favorite moment in your Dental Assisting class?
Amazing people in my program made it great, and my instructors made every day fun. I was also a student mentor in my class. New students are going through what you’ve gone through in labs and clinicals, so you can give them first-hand advice. I feel I was helpful because many had the same questions I’d had and are going through what you’ve gone through.
What experience stands out when you were a Dental Assisting student?
My instructor asked if I would like to be a mentor in my class. I feel like I was able to answer many questions as they went through labs and clinicals, because I’d had them. They were very curious about my (student) work experience in dental offices. I feel like my first-hand advice was helpful.
How will you handle patient fears of going to the dentist?
Children, especially, are sometimes scared and not willing to cooperate. Being patient, talking them through it, making them comfortable and being patient is important. Even adults hold some fears. I calm them by explaining what I’ll be doing and the tools I will be using.
What do you do in your current Dental Assistant job?
I take x-rays, clean and sterilize instruments, prepare patients for exam/procedures, sit chairside to the dentist offering assist. It’s a very hands-on position, which I enjoy.
What inspires you to extend your education with the Dental Hygiene program?
As a Dental Hygienist you are a provider instead of an assistant. I love being a Dental Assistant, but this is the next step up. My one regret is that I should have started this program sooner. But that keeps me pushing harder to make up for lost time.
