As a recently divorced mom of three children under the age of ten, Morgan Brea knew she had to make some big decisions and sacrifices to give her little family a more comfortable life. She loved her dental assistant job of two years, enough to know she was ready to take it up another level. Dental Hygienist was the vision she had for herself. But could she get there from here?
Why make a move in your dental career now?
I went through a dental assisting program right out of high school, got certification and practiced for a couple of years before staying home with my kids. Working as a dental assistant was very fulfilling, but I really wanted to work with patients at a higher level.
I loved dental assisting, but wanted to be more in the forefront of helping patients. Plus, I wanted to show my kids (ages 10, 6 and 5) that I’m not just a mom; I wanted to set an example for them.
What was the first step in your career boost plan?
I intended to go to a dental hygiene program through community college, but I wasn’t loving what they had to offer. And regardless of my prior knowledge and experience, they have a wait list. Carrington College Dental Hygiene program doesn’t have a wait list, and they valued what I’d done (in the dental field) and the previous doctors I’d worked for.
What were Carrington College’s Dental Hygiene (DH) program standouts?
Carrington College Dental Hygiene clinics (hands-on dental services offered to the public on campus) could accommodate many students and patients. And our clinics provided complimentary services, so we were able to attract and take more patients. In addition to complimentary cleanings and x-rays, we provide thorough patient examinations of mouth and teeth, including blemishes, oral health and glands. We’re observing overall teeth and gums health care and may recommend they see their primary doctor or dentist based on what we’re observing.
A lot of people don’t have the money to go to the dentist, so the complimentary services we provide might be the only assessment and treatment they get. We students provide an important service.
What made this Dental Hygiene program a good fit for you?
At Carrington College, we learn through hands-on experience. Our (on site) clinics are able to accommodate many students and patients – and the experience of treating more patients was an important factor for me. And they were more selective in their enrollment process. It gave me more confidence.
What is the Irving Wohl Scholarship you won?
The Irving Wohl Scholarship awards $1,000.00 to one person from each cohort who submitted an essay about how they would impact the community as a dental hygienist. Until he was 105 years old, Mr. Wohl came every year on his birthday to the Mesa campus’ Dental Hygiene program for a complimentary dental exam and cleaning. My letter was about what our school and clinic provide, our complimentary services and helping patients to be more comfortable and not fearful of going to the dentist. I’m looking forward to helping change that (negative) perspective of those patient fears through being in this career.
Any surprises about your Dental Hygiene program?
I went into it knowing it was going to be intensive and fast-paced, so I started working hard right off the bat. I struggled getting into good study habits and managing my time better. Managing school life, work life and family life was my biggest challenge.
Did you get the instructor support you needed?
I had advance information from instructors, so was well informed about what to expect in the program. I love all my instructors. They never act like anything is a dumb question. Miss Busbee and Miss Steward are standouts, are passionate about what they do and show genuine concern for you.
I didn’t do as well on a radiology exam as I wanted once, but Miss Steward reassured me that though not a make-or-break issue now, it would be on a National exam and we could set aside some study time for that particular area. I will definitely take that offer.
What has been your greatest struggle?
Right now, managing work, school and family life; making sure my schedule aligns with kids’ schedules. The kids are very good and understand that I’m in school. Sometimes I feel guilty for not spending more time with them, but I hope seeing this gives them a drive for their own lives. I do want to set that example.
Do you have a strong support structure at home?
We live with my mom and dad (Jennifer and David) and they have been the best support. She tries to be available to help kids with homework and my dad loves playing with the kids. If I need to do homework he will take them outside. I cook dinner to try to give my mom one less thing to worry about.
My ex-husband, Alex, is the one who co-signed and helped me apply for a student loan. He always has encouraging words, reminding me I’m doing great and I’m too hard on myself.
What pushes you to succeed?
When I was eighteen I got Belle’s Palsy and partial face paralysis. I really don’t feel like I got the care I needed, and it was more in-and-out treatment and information. I don’t want the practice of dental hygiene to ever become robotic. I want patient care to go above-and-beyond that. I want to give people I’m helping keep their dental health emotionally, as well as physically.
I want to take that extra step forward, a deeper dive with people, find the root cause and never brush them off.
How does your future appear to you?
What I’m striving for is a stable environment for my kids and to be able to get my own home. I want to get into an office that allows me to serve the community the way I want to – not a corporate environment where they try to serve as many patients in a day as they can.
I want to work in a dentist office that allows me to serve the community the way I feel it is needed and appreciated.
Advice to others interested in the Dental Hygiene field?
Make sure you genuinely love what you do – and it’s not just about the money. Have a positive mindset and great support system. Be ready to work together as a team to provide the best patient care.