From her first day in class in the Dental Assisting program, Amy Galicia stood out as special to her instructors.
“She came into the program with a strong work ethic, a kind heart, and a genuine willingness to support those around her,” remembers Andrea Gochnour, Dental Assisting Program Director. “Her nurturing personality naturally shone through, earning her the affectionate nickname, ‘Class Mom’ from her peers. Whether it was helping a classmate master a skill or offering a listening ear, Amy was always there to lift others up.”
Outside of the classroom, Amy is also a dedicated mom to her four children. She balanced parenting, home life, and school impressively—completing the Dental Assisting program with a 4.0 GPA and accepting a job offer from her externship.
“Amy consistently demonstrated maturity, professionalism, and a quiet strength that inspired those around her,” Andrea continues. “She exemplifies everything we hope for in our students: intelligence, kindness, and the drive to succeed. Students like Amy remind us why we do what we do.”
Here, Amy Galicia shares more about her experience in the Dental Assisting program—and the new career she loves.
When did you graduate from the Dental Assisting program?
I graduated in July of 2025.
What did you do before you began the program?
I was a homemaker and full-time mom to my four kids.
What made you want to study Dental Assisting? Were you inspired by anything or anyone in particular?
As my kids got older, I felt ready to get into a career. I had gone to school for photography in the past, but I wanted something different. I am a hands-on, visual learner, so I knew that would be an important aspect for me when choosing a program. I looked at different options for trade schools, and I found the Dental Assisting program at Carrington.
How did you know this program was the right one for you?
It stood out in Boise, and the location was convenient for me. I didn’t know much about Carrington at first, so I just decided to go in to visit—everyone was so friendly and answered all my questions. I had initially thought about the Dental Hygiene program but decided to do Dental Assisting first. I’m now working in orthodontics, and I really enjoy everything I do so much. I’m happy that I went through Carrington because it has so many options. You can choose a program and gain experience that could bring you back to pursue another degree, opening the door to other opportunities. Dental Hygiene is competitive, and working in Dental Assisting will make it easier for me to enter that field if I choose.
What was your favorite part of the program? What did you find challenging?
I really loved that we had hands-on, visual lab time, twice a week—it works well for people who are still working, too, because it does have flexibility. It can be awkward at first to be in people’s mouths once you are on the job—so that time in the lab is valuable.
I also really loved our cohort (class). We got new people throughout, but not a ton. I lucked out, because fewer people meant more lab time! Our professor was wonderful, always willing to help and answer questions. It was great to be part of a group where students wanted to be there and cared.
Because of the (nine-month long) nature of the program, new modules are introduced often. It’s a lot of information—some mods can feel more rushed than others, and it can be a bit of a challenge to find a balance between learning all the information and having the hands-on lab experience.
Where was your externship, and what was that like?
My externship was with Tingey Orthodontics at the Boise and Meridian locations. It was a great experience; everyone in the office was welcoming and helpful. They were great about answering all of my questions, and they let me observe, learn, and work hands-on.
Where do you work now, and what is a typical day like for you?
I now work at the same orthodontic practice where I did my externship; I was offered a position when I graduated.
As an orthodontic assistant, my day begins with preparing the clinic, turning on equipment, setting up chairs, looking over the day’s schedule, and making sure all instruments and supplies are ready for patient care.
Throughout the day, I assist the orthodontist with a variety of procedures, including placing and removing brackets, replacing wires, and taking before-and-after photographs to track patient progress. I also take dental impressions for retainers, capture x-rays, and remove adhesive from teeth after braces are removed.
I spend a lot of time interacting with patients—explaining what we are doing during their visit, answering questions, and helping them feel comfortable, whether they are here for a routine adjustment or an emergency wire repair. Documentation is an important part of my role, as I record treatment notes and ensure patient charts are complete. Between patients, I perform thorough sterilization of all tools and maintain a clean, organized workspace. Each day is fast-paced, requiring me to juggle seating patients, assisting during procedures, cleaning up workstations, and supporting my teammates to keep the schedule running smoothly. I enjoy the hands-on nature of the job, the opportunity to work directly with people of all ages, and the teamwork it takes to make each day a success.
What do you like most about your career?
I really enjoy working with people and helping others, including patients and the doctor. I love to be busy, take on challenges, and talk to people on the job. I like learning how to become a trustworthy assistant for the doctor.
What I enjoy most about dental assisting is the variety in the work, the hands-on learning, and the chance to make patients feel comfortable and cared for during their treatment. It’s rewarding to be part of each patient’s progress and see their confidence grow as their smile changes. Every day is a chance to learn something new, make a difference in someone’s life, and work alongside a supportive team. These are things that make this career exciting and meaningful for me, and that I hope future dental assistants will get to experience, too.
