SABRINA

Ms. Sabrina Azimi is a student in the Dental Hygiene program and anticipates graduating in Fall 2023! Upon hearing she was nominated for the Student Spotlight, Ms. Azimi expressed that, “this is the first time I’ve been awarded something like this. It makes it special because I can see the school is noticing my achievements. I’m also able to share this with the entire student body and my cohort. I feel like this also acknowledges not just my hard work, but everyone I collaborate with.”

Ms. Azimi was inspired to apply to the Dental Hygiene program after being a Dental Assistant for eleven years, starting her career as a senior in high school! “Being a Dental Hygienist will allow me to treat my patients with primary care and educate them on oral hygiene. Patients aren’t prioritizing dental cleanings and I feel they should. I’ve observed different cases and see how important the mouth is and how it’s connected to other parts of the body. Dr. Sleeper and Director Jennings once said, ‘meet the patient where they are,’ and this has always stuck with me since first semester. I can see this correlating to where I was as a Dental Assistant and now to a Dental Hygienist. Everyone comes from different walks of life and I want to provide the best care for my patient. I know I’ll constantly be learning and understanding their needs.”

Her most memorable time at Plaza College is the heartfelt friendships she’s made with her cohort peers. “I’m a quiet person. I never really engaged in many activities or did study groups, but this cohort is so special and so many people bring different things to the group. I can see the connections I’ve made through this program continuing after graduation. Having my golden study group has been amazing. The unity and spirit of the cohort is amazing too.” Director Martinez shares that, “Ms. Azimi is a pleasure to work with, always professional and willing to assist classmates when they are in need. She is passionate about learning and always speaks up when she needs clarification. She has excelled clinically since her preclinic days, and yet still seeks instruction and challenges herself to master new skills.”

This semester, Ms. Azimi is looking forward to participating in Shiny Teeth of Queens, a free preventative dental care initiative for children, ages 2-17, from June 5th-July 21. “I think it is wonderful that Plaza incorporates this experience into the program. Plaza makes it very personable and accessible to join different activities like the Alzheimer’s and Breast Cancer Walks.” Ms. Azimi is grateful for the support she receives from every Professor and students alike; such as Ms. Babullal helping with the patient charts to Mr. Giansante who is always helping with IT. She shares that, “We come together through unity from pre-clinic to clinic. From the minute you walk in, everyone is so friendly and it is such a supportive and intimate environment.” Professor Awad expressed that, “Ms. Azimi is eager to learn and always has her best foot forward.”

Her dream job is to work in a pediatric dental office. “Working with kids is so rewarding. They’re so funny. I enjoy that I can create a bond and make them comfortable with a Dental Hygienist. If we can build great bonds with children and educate their parents it’s a great foundation for adulthood. I’m seeing the correlation between good and bad habits that start young.”

Ms. Azimi balances her academic and home responsibilities by making use of her time to recalibrate by going on walks with her husband, hiking, and being in nature. Her favorite summer drink is lemonade, Starbucks refreshers (even though they have sugar), or iced espresso drinks. She enjoys watching cooking and baking programs where contestants create amazing breads and cakes from scratch such as, “The Great British Bake Off.”