Student Spotlight - Meet Elena

From Curious Kid to Confident Dental Assistant: Elena’s Journey to a Career She Loves

Graduate Spotlight: Meet Elena Trujillo

We sat down with Elena, a dedicated graduate of our Dental Assisting Program, whose journey shows how the right mentor and a lot of hard work can launch a fulfilling career in dentistry.

What sparked your interest in Dental Assisting?

"Growing up, I was lucky to have a great dentist who made every visit fun and interesting. I was always curious, asking questions, and wanting to help in any way I could. After high school, I explored a few different career paths, but my heart kept pulling me back to dentistry. I’ve loved it from the start, and I still do today. Choosing dentistry is a decision I’ll never regret!"

Favorite dental procedure to assist with?

"It’s hard to pick just one favorite! I love working on crowns and bridges because I get to make the temporaries and really be hands on. Extractions and implants are exciting too,I don’t mind getting into the messy stuff!"

What makes Elena smile?

"The best part is seeing a patient’s reaction when they get their new smile, helping them regain their confidence is the greatest reward, and it reminds me I chose the right career. In our office, we keep things light by playing games and having fun every day. It helps us stay positive and keeps the stress away!"

Where has your journey taken you since graduating?

"I started my career in a pediatric and family dental office, where I learned the art of working with little ones, like taking X-rays without getting my fingers bitten! I spent two years there before moving to a small general dentistry practice. While I enjoyed it, they didn’t do many treatments, and I wanted to expand my skills. That’s when I joined my current office, and five years later, I’m still here and I absolutely love it!"

Where are you now?

"I work in general dentistry, but we truly do it all; everything from a simple filling to a full mouth reconstruction. I enjoy and love every procedure, whether it’s crowns, bridges, root canals, extractions, implants, orthodontics (Invisalign and brackets), or anything in between!"

What did you love most about the Dental Assisting Program?

"My favorite part about the school was the hands on learning! Getting real experience from day one made me feel confident and prepared for my career."

Any advice to future dental assistants?

Elena says it best:
"If you’re open to learning something new every day and enjoy a good challenge, dental assisting is the career for you! I know you’ll love it just as much as I do."

Elena Trujillo