Even as a teenager Camryn Carter always had a career plan. She watched her mom thrive in the dental field and liked what she saw. She took college courses while still in high school and completed both high school and community college with an Associate’s degree at eighteen.
Camryn persuaded a dental office to allow her on-the-job training that gave her the Dental Assisting work experience she needed to confirm her career aspirations…and set her sights even higher. Dental Hygiene was the next level to conquer. All she needed was the right education in the right place. She found that at Carrington College’s Mesa campus. And she managed to capture the college’s $1,000.00 Irving Wohl Memorial Scholarship along the way. It all had that meant-to-be feeling.
Why become a Dental Hygienist?
I’ve always wanted to be a hygienist. My mom inspired a love of dentistry in me. Both parents are pretty excited I chose this field and are just happy that I’m happy. They’re proud of me that I got into my dream school and will be doing what I love.
Why Carrington College?
Originally, I was on a waitlist at another school, but then I found out about Carrington College’s Dental Hygiene program, and I applied. Carrington College was definitely my top choice, but I was willing to get into whichever school called first.
When I got the call from Carrington College that I was accepted, I called my mom. She couldn’t believe it; she was so excited.
What was your enrollment process in the Dental Hygiene program like?
I got to speak with a few of the other (Dental Hygiene) students and teachers, and everyone was just very nice. I just kind of fell in love with it from there.
How did you find out about the Irving Wohl Memorial Scholarship?
I saw it on the website (Carrington College) and thought ‘Why not apply?’ I filled out the application (includes a 500-word essay subject: How a Dental Hygiene degree prepares me to serve my community and improve the health of the public”), and it took about a month to find out. I was shocked! Winning the scholarship was another celebration for my family and it made me excited and proud of myself.
Note: Irving Wohl was a strong advocate of Carrington College and each year on his birthday – until he was 105 years old – he came to the Mesa campus’ Dental Assisting/Hygiene programs for his annual teeth cleaning. The scholarship was named in his honor.
What do you enjoy most about your Dental Hygiene program?
I love how we are so hands-on in the program. Even though we’re just getting started, we’re already getting going. It’s very exciting.
Just starting, classmates partner up and we’re already getting into each other’s mouths. It’s definitely something you wouldn’t normally do with people you’d just met! It’s also very exciting.
Any major surprises?
Honestly, I knew it was going to be a lot of work, but I don’t know that I was quite prepared for all this. But I know in the end it will be worth it.
I do a lot of studying by myself to get more familiar with all the materials and I practice at home everything we’ve learned in clinics. I put a lot of work in, and I think it shows in my grades.
What kind of study are you able to do at home?
We each get a typodont – a little fake mouth. It’s the top and bottom teeth/jaw on a hinge, screwed in place that has some cheeks and fake lips; and we have our own instruments that we get to take home…and eventually keep. It’s so important to have this type of model to work on. We’re not supposed to work on other people’s mouths outside of the clinic.
But it’s very helpful to do homework on an actual model (typodont).
Do your instructors give you enough support?
All my teachers are very supportive. If you need help outside the classroom, you can set up time to meet. Upper classmen also offer tutoring and I’ve taken advantage of that – and became friends, and that’s also nice.
And, if some material isn’t sticking, I’ll ask for extra help – especially in the clinic, doing hands-on stuff. If I can’t figure out if I’m doing something right, I’ll reach out and instructors will definitely respond.
What is your greatest struggle?
The biggest struggle for me, personally, is finding a good school and out-of-school balance. When to study, when to take a break; that’s been hard for me. Thankfully, I’m able to devote most of my time to school. If I had to work, I’d probably be a little more stressed out.
Sometimes I struggle with stress; it’s just me. My parents have always been there for me. They’ve always told me to just do what makes me happy. It makes me feel like everything I’m doing is right.
My favorite – and most cliched – thing they tell me is that they’re proud of me. It makes it all worth it.
What inspires you to complete your Dental Hygiene program?
Getting to the end…and being able to call myself a Dental Hygienist. That keeps me going. I’m proud of where I am right now and don’t think I could do much better.
Any favorite moments?
I’ve really enjoyed meeting new people; and it’s nice to meet people who have the same interests that I do. I enjoy learning, and there’s so much new information about what I hope to be doing every day. Knowing that makes me happy.