Cassidy Barnes is a 23-year-old from Middleton, Idaho, who initially struggled with finding a clear career path after high school and faced challenges with college life during the COVID-19 pandemic. After working as a vet tech and receiving encouragement from her mentors, she decided to pursue dental assisting at Carrington College, where she thrived in a hands-on learning environment. Now, she is completing her externship at Alpine Surgical Arts and is excited about her future as a dental assistant.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I grew up in Middleton, Idaho, and I’m twenty-three years old. My older brother, who is three years ahead of me, has always been a source of inspiration. Whether it was sports or school, he always motivated me to be better. We went to high school together, and after he graduated, he attended the University of Idaho in Moscow. I completed high school in 2020 without a clear career direction, though I considered radiology and moved to Lewiston to attend Lewis-Clark State College. However, I struggled with the college experience, especially the roommate dynamic. I found it very hard to make friends due to the school’s COVID regulations, so I often drove to Moscow to visit my brother on weekends.
By October of that year, amid the COVID pandemic, I decided to return home and didn’t go back to Lewis-Clark. After leaving school, I was immediately hired at Idaho Equine Hospital, where I began working the graveyard shift, from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. Each morning, I would catch a quick nap in my truck before heading to class at the College of Western Idaho to continue my education. Despite my hard work, I still wasn’t sure of my career direction. After a year of this routine, I realized I wasn’t making real progress toward my life goals. I decided to step back from school and switched to a day shift at Idaho Equine Hospital, working alongside Dr. Liz Scott, a veterinarian I admired. My time as a vet tech was incredibly fulfilling, offering me unique experiences and invaluable learning opportunities. However, I knew I wanted something more for my future.
After conversations with Dr. Scott and my mom, both of whom I deeply respect, I made the decision to return to school. Although I was nervous about going back after four years, I took the leap and enrolled in the Boise Carrington College’s Dental Assisting program. Through all of this from the end of high school, I have faced health challenges with epilepsy and debilitating migraines, I’ve learned the importance of perseverance and resilience. These setbacks have tested me, but they have shaped me into a stronger person. With my support system I have made it through. Now, as I wrap up my final week of school, I’m thrilled for what the future holds with this new career path and my upcoming job.
When did you decide to pursue a career in dental assisting?
I talked to my mom about it in January of this year, brainstorming interests of mine. I looked into Carrington College, met with Carly from admissions, toured the campus, took a quiz, and enrolled in the program to start in February of 2024. Now, I’m about to finish my externship.
What motivated you to choose Carrington College?
Seeing the school and meeting with Carly were my big motivators. She showed me around and did a great job of explaining everything. Then she put a quiz in front of me. I took it and she said I had one of the highest scores she had ever seen. I felt that score was a sign I was in the right place and applied right away.
What was your favorite part of your program at Carrington College?
My favorite aspect of the program at Carrington College was the hands-on experience and the opportunity to work with real patients. Having my mom and some friends volunteer at various times provided me with valuable learning opportunities and allowed me to refine my skills. It also made me realize how much support I have from both my personal circle and my academic community, which was truly eye-opening and motivating.
What has been the most challenging part of your program?
The most challenging part of my program has been navigating the experience of being the only student at my level. While this position has allowed me to mentor others, which I truly enjoy, it has also made it difficult to form connections with my peers, as I’m at a different stage in the program than they are.
Did you ever want to quit when you were in school?
Aside from my first day, when I had a bit of a mental breakdown, things have significantly improved. Balancing work and school has been both mentally and physically challenging, often pushing me out of my comfort zone. There are moments when I feel overwhelmed, but I’m fortunate to have a strong support system, including my family and the vet I work for. Their encouragement has been invaluable, as they understand how demanding it is to manage both responsibilities simultaneously.
What got you through the challenging times?
Getting through tough times requires resilience and a focus on small steps forward. I tried to build a support network of friends, family, and mentors that provided encouragement and perspective when challenges were overwhelming. I am grateful for their support. Staying committed to personal goals, even in small ways, fosters a sense of purpose and motivation. I don’t like to start something and not finish it. So that was my goal, work hard and be the best I could, and finish what I started.
Is there a Carrington College instructor or staff member who you would like to acknowledge?
I’d like to acknowledge Miss Gonzalez and Miss Walton—I love them. They have both been incredible mentors and instructors for me. Being ahead in the program and the only student at my level, they’ve given me the flexibility to job shadow more extensively. I truly appreciate how they recognize me as a unique individual and have gone out of their way to provide me with the experiences I need to grow. They are both extremely encouraging, enlightening people. I appreciate their guidance and shared knowledge.
Please tell us about your externship at Alpine Surgical Arts.
My externship at Alpine Surgical Arts is an exciting opportunity for me because I’ve previously had the chance to job shadow there, and I’ve seen that they focus on procedures that differ from what we typically learn in class. Their primary focus is on oral, facial, as well as cosmetic, surgeries. I’m both nervous and thrilled about this experience because it feels like a continuation of my education in a completely new area. I also appreciate how the practice serves a diverse range of needs. It’s impressive to me how one facility can provide care to an entire family in multiple ways.
What do you enjoy most about your dental assisting?
Anthropology has shown that humans are continuously adapting and evolving, and this principle extends to dental assisting as well. With technology constantly advancing, there are always new techniques to learn and opportunities for growth in this field. The dynamic nature of this profession means that every day brings something new and different. I’m inspired by the idea of consistently learning and refining my skills, as it drives me to stay engaged and continually improve.
How do you feel Carrington College has prepared you for your career in dental assisting?
Our instructors had us do a lot of hands-on work in the lab. We also observed and participated in Carrington College’s dental hygiene clinic where we practiced with friends, family, and each other. Most of our instructors have worked in different offices, which helped us learn beyond the textbook in a variety of helpful, real-world ways. Then there is job shadowing, which is very important.
Do you have any advice for people interested in entering your field or considering Carrington College?
My advice to anyone considering a career in dental assisting or thinking about attending Carrington College is that no matter how much you have on your plate, it’s possible to succeed in this program. It’s true that school can be challenging, both mentally and physically, but the experience is worth it in the end. The skills and knowledge you gain, along with the support from instructors and classmates, make the hard work and dedication pay off. If you’re passionate about this field, don’t let the challenges deter you—embrace them as part of your growth.
