Paola C., a graduate of West Coast University’s dental hygiene program, was born in Mexico and moved to America with her family when she was twelve years old. She started sixth grade not knowing any English.
“My professor was American, and she didn’t speak any Spanish,” Paola recalled. “I got through it and never failed any classes. I learned English by the eighth grade…anything is possible if you really put your head into it.”
Paola’s introduction to the world of dental hygiene took place a few years later in high school when she participated in an ROP (Regional Occupational Program). This program exposed her to the profession, and it was there that she found inspiration from a dental hygienist who exuded happiness and intelligence.
“I wanted to be her when I grew up,” Paola said. “That kind of guided me towards a dental hygiene career.”
In 2020, after working as a dental assistant for nearly five years while completing her prerequisites, Paola enrolled in WCU’s dental hygiene program. She chose WCU for its reputation and the opportunity to start her studies right away.
“West Coast University is one of the best schools in my opinion,” she said. “The way they train you to work in the field is just amazing.”
A defining moment in the program was her community service course, which allowed Paola to connect not only with patients at WCU but also with communities beyond. It reignited her passion for dental hygiene and the desire to graduate and contribute to overall patient well-being.
“I can’t wait to graduate and actually help the community and the patients here,” she said. “It was really nice to train and educate people on oral hygiene and oral health awareness.”
She described WCU as the “military of dental hygiene” and credited it with making her current work feel easy. While going through open clinics as a student, Paola and her classmates were introduced to worst case scenarios.
“We would see a lot of patients hadn’t been to a dentist in like 10 years,” she said. “They over prepare you for sure. They know what they’re teaching and they know what the real world is going to be like.”
After graduating in November 2022, Paola moved near her home in the Imperial Valley, where she worked for seven months. There, she enjoyed serving the small town.
“That was my first dental hygiene job and I loved it,” Paola said. “It felt nice to be able to help my own community.”
Today, Paola serves as a dental hygienist in two offices in Orange County, California, catering to patients of all ages. Driven by her passion for educating future dental hygienists, she envisions returning to WCU to share her expertise as an instructor. She encourages prospective dental hygiene students not to give up.
“It’s going to be hard, but if it was easy, everyone would do it,” Paola said. “West Coast University prepares you for everything, even the worst, and now work is a breeze.”
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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