Like so many fresh out of high school graduates, Rebeca Lacatus had no clear vision of a career direction. She knew she wanted to help other people, so health care seemed a likely direction. She surprised herself by pivoting toward dental assisting and enrolled in Carrington College’s Dental Assisting program. It only took a couple of days in the classroom for her to know it was the perfect career launch – and education experience – for her. She took a chance, and it paid off in ways she couldn’t have anticipated.
What made the Dental Assisting program a good fit for you?
It was instant. Everything started to click, and I told myself, ‘Hey, this is something I could fall in love with.’ Even though there was a lot of information at first, I was able to take it in.
My fears from high school made it hard to put my best foot forward, to understand everything. But I had a really good teacher (Miss Erika) who took the time and who put everything she knew into teaching.
Did you get the instructor support you needed?
It was really different from high school, and I had a lot of anxiety to try to get everything right off the bat. But Miss Erika really took the time to slow me down and not get ahead of myself. Everybody had their own fears, and she took the time with every student.
She had 20+ years in the dental field and let me know, ‘You’re not going to get it all at once.” She slowed me down, made sure I was doing it right and to think about what was in front of me right then. She knew everyone’s struggles and took time with each of us.
Why Carrington College’s Dental Assisting program?
First, was the pricing – and I did take a peek at other colleges. My parents didn’t get to graduate high school or go to college, and they gave me this opportunity. I put in an application at Carrington College and within just a short time, I got a call. I had a lot of questions, and he answered them all.
They had all these other programs on the campus: Vet tech, medical, pharmacy, nursing, but I was excited to see what the Dental Assisting program looked like. I felt more of a calmness when I stepped into that classroom. I was excited to see what it looked like.
Did you feel ready for college and a career commitment?
I took two years off after high school and had no clue what my future looked like. I’d worked at a pizza place and grabbed whatever cash I could because I knew college would cost me money.
What was the best thing about Carrington College’s Dental Assisting program?
It brought out the best in me. I really enjoyed the hands-on experience. The schedule gave us two days in the classroom and 2-3 days online. Labs were in-person and ‘theory’ was online.
Any surprises in your Dental Assisting program?
Nothing hit me in a negative way. Every step I took was light; nothing felt heavy on my shoulders.
If someone fell behind, we would try to work with it together. Some students needed more explanation or lab time, but it didn’t hold up the class. Teachers would find the issue and fix it pretty quickly.
What was one of your favorite moments in class?
For the first couple of weeks of class I was feeling like it’s going to be ‘me against the world’. But two girls sat down with me, and we formed a study group. They were a couple of the smartest girls in my class, and they gave me that second push to strive to be better. We ended up with one guy and three girls and now we all work in different offices and still text.
Did you have family support at home?
I have both my parents (Eli and Anna) and live at home with them and four more siblings. They are my emotional support. They create a warm environment every day that I take with me both at work and in life.
They wanted to help me financially, but I wanted to take it on myself. I want to grow up and one day provide for them. I can help them out by setting an example of getting on my own two feet, stand on solid ground and move on with my life.
What was your greatest struggle?
I got to an emotional point when I saw my finances draining, but I picked up a couple of more babysitting jobs and was able to keep my head above water.
You just have to take it one step at a time and all the puzzle pieces will come together.
What inspired you to keep pushing forward?
I saw Miss Erika’s passion, and it drove my passion. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have known that dental assisting would be the right thing. Her passion was what drove me to know that this was where I needed to be.
Did Carrington College’s Dental Assisting program meet your expectations?
Carrington College will support you, not just while you’re in college, but outside of that…after you’re in the field. I get emails to this day from them asking if everything is going ok, checking to see if you’re good where you’re at, encouraging you to reach out if you have any questions, or if you feel this (position) isn’t the right fit for you. That’s exactly the kind of college I want; not someone who will just drop you off. They give the feeling they’re still holding on, making sure I’m ok.
Where did you take all these newfound skills, knowledge and experience?
I’m a dental assistant in a large office where we see 30-50 patients a day. We have about six Dental Assistants and DA program externs (students gaining work experience). I move in and out to wherever there’s the greatest need. We make sure everything is on schedule, prepare patients for x-rays, set up rooms and instrument trays to make sure that the second the doctor comes in everything is ready.
Do you enjoy job security?
I am secure where I am but with more training can also branch out as a specialty dental assistant. It’s important for me to learn everything about being in this first field before I think about another. I feel like I have found my little happy place already.
What advice would you give to others considering a dental assistant career training program?
Has Carrington Colleges’s Dental Assisting program given you the support you expected?
I get emails from them to this day. They support you – not just while you’re in college – but outside of that. They check to see if you’re good where you’re at, if your employer is a fit. That’s exactly the kind of college I want to have my back. Not someone who will just drop you off. They’ve given me the feeling that they’re still holding on, making sure I’m ok. Everything has meshed so well.
