SERGEY

From nervous first-year student to recent award-winning graduate, Sergey’s journey through Plaza College’s Dental Hygiene program is a story of growth, dedication, and passion for patient care.

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Sergey is a recent graduate of Plaza College’s Dental Hygiene program. He now holds the Plaza College Colgate Star Award and is preparing to launch a promising career in dental hygiene.

Reflecting on his journey, Sergey recalls that he initially felt nervous about treating patients. But as he gained more hands-on experience, those early nerves grew into a genuine eagerness to provide care and support. “Throughout the program, my confidence and critical thinking skills grew the most.”

Sergey recalls that the most challenging part of the program was completing all of his clinical competency requirements on time – especially the three-patient, three-hour competency in the final semester. Though demanding, this experience was an important step in preparing him for the demands of the profession, from managing unexpected situations in the clinic to providing quality patient care with skill and focus.

“That experience highlighted the importance of time management, efficiency, and delivering quality care in real-world dental hygiene practice.”

Sergey had the unique opportunity to begin working in the clinic earlier than his peers, which positioned him as a trusted resource for patient care. His cohort frequently sought his guidance with clinical setup, troubleshooting, and procedural tasks, fostering a strong sense of trust and collaboration. This ability to work effectively with others is an essential skill in healthcare, where professionals rely on one another to provide high-quality patient care.

A meaningful full-circle moment occurred during Sergey’s peer shadowing competency in the final semester. Assisting faculty and supporting junior students, he recognized how far he had progressed since his first semester. Over the course of the program, his passion for dentistry deepened and evolved into pride in the meaningful impact he knows he will make in oral healthcare.

“Choosing Plaza was one of the best decisions I made, not only for the clinical skills I developed, but also for the incredible faculty and lifelong relationships I gained along the way.”

As he begins his career in dental hygiene, Sergey is most motivated by the opportunity to improve patients’ oral health through education and preventive care. With experience treating over 40 patients, he has gained confidence managing diverse cases and has developed a growing interest in periodontology. He is currently preparing for the NBDHE and CDCA examinations through a structured study schedule and comprehensive review resources.

Sergey’s experience highlights the academic rigor and supportive environment of Plaza College’s Dental Hygiene program, preparing students to enter the profession with confidence, competence, and a strong commitment to patient-centered care.