Turning a lifelong passion for dentistry into a career of purpose and care.
Some people are lucky enough to discover their career calling early in life – and for Liz, that calling was Dental Hygiene. From a young age, Liz has dreamed of working in the dental field, helping patients strengthen their oral health and feel confident in their smiles.
But the path to dental hygiene is not easy. It is a demanding pursuit that requires the completion of challenging science-based prerequisites, intensive studying, and a comprehensive understanding of healthcare principles.
That’s why Liz chose Plaza College’s Allied Health program, where she is currently completing the foundational courses required before applying for the Dental Hygiene program. Plaza College’s Allied Health program offers a pre-requisite pathway for students who wish to eventually pursue a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene on their Queens campus.
“I found Plaza College to be the right school for me because of its structured pathway and supportive environment.”
Although Liz initially explored several Dental Hygiene programs, she felt most supported by Plaza College/’s faculty, staff, and peers for consistently guiding her toward her long-term goals.
Liz also credits Plaza College with reshaping how she understood the dental field. A defining moment came in her Anatomy and Physiology course, where she began connecting what she was learning in class to real-world experiences from her job in a doctor’s office. It was an eye-opening realization that she was not only mastering the material but already applying it in practice.
“I was able to put two and two together and truly understand how oral health correlates with overall health.”
While her experience has been positive, it has come with valuable life lessons. Liz is a full-time student with a full-time job, which has challenged her to strengthen her time-management skills and find the motivation to show up consistently for herself. How did she manage it? By leaning on the program’s structured support, trusting her mentors, and gaining confidence in her academic abilities.
The Allied Health program is designed to prepare students not only for the intense workload of dental school, but also for the professional challenges of the real world. For Liz, it revealed just how much she could achieve when guided by a curriculum built to mirror the pace and demands of a healthcare career.
“[This experience] showed me that I’m more capable than I thought.”
As she finishes completing her pre-requisites, Liz has chosen to apply to Plaza College’s Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene as the natural next step toward her career goals. She is looking forward to building meaningful connections with patients and growing her confidence in clinical settings as she continues her education.
“I’m most excited to transition from foundational learning to hands-on clinical experiences that will prepare me for real-world practice.”
Looking ahead, Liz’s immediate goals include successfully passing her pre-requisite courses and approaching her upcoming interview with confidence and professionalism. As she prepares to begin the Dental Hygiene program, she is eager to gain clinical experience, work directly with patients, and continue developing the skills necessary to provide high-quality, compassionate care.
“I’m looking forward to developing the skills and knowledge that will allow me to become a competent and compassionate dental hygienist.” Liz’s journey reflects the academic rigor, structure, and support of Plaza College’s Allied Health Pre-Requisite program, preparing students to advance with confidence as they move toward meaningful careers in healthcare.
