Student Spotlight - Meet Aaliyah

Say hello to Aaliyah! From discovering her love for dentistry to transforming smiles in some pretty out-of-this-world places. Her journey proves that when passion meets opportunity, dentistry can take you anywhere.

Graduate Spotlight: Meet Aaliyah

We sat down with Aaliyah to chat about how her passion for healthcare led her to dentistry, the skills she’s picked up along the way, and why helping patients smile never gets old.

What sparked your interest in Dental Assisting?

“Growing up, oral health wasn’t emphasized in my family, so it wasn’t something I valued until I got older and discovered its importance on my own. I became interested in dentistry because I love the instant gratification we can offer patients—whether it’s relieving pain or enhancing esthetics—especially with the evolving technology and literature in the field.”

Favorite dental procedure to assist with?

“I enjoy assisting with esthetic procedures the most. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the shift in a patient’s confidence once they see their new smile—it’s truly a transformative experience.”

What makes Aaliyah smile?

“The people I work with make me smile every day. I also enjoy interacting with patients from all walks of life—it keeps every day interesting and meaningful.”

Where has your journey taken you since graduating?

“After graduating from this program, I worked for an endodontist before joining the military as an active duty dental assistant. The Air Force funded my Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential and is currently paying for my prerequisites for dental school. It’s been an amazing journey of continuous growth and opportunity.”

Where are you now?

“I work in a dental clinic on one of the few Space Force bases. Our clinic offers a wide range of specialties, including general dentistry, oral surgery, endodontics, prosthodontics, prophylaxis, and even acupuncture.”

What did you love most about the Dental Assisting Program?

“The people. I’m still connected with classmates and our instructors have continued to be valuable resources. The supportive environment really helped build my foundation.”

Any advice to future dental assistants?

“Just do it! If you’re even considering it, take the leap—you won’t regret the skills, growth, and opportunities that come from this field.”

Aaliyah