Ms. Anna Hubbard is a student in the Dental Hygiene Program at Plaza College and looks forward to completing her coursework in Fall 2023! Ms. Hubbard expressed that being nominated for the Student Spotlight “was an honor. To be acknowledged for my hard work and dedication to my education is incredibly meaningful, given that I put my all into my studies.”
Ms. Hubbard’s journey into the dental hygiene field started when she entered the Dental Assistant program at Stony Brook University in 2016. Eventually she did feel challenged enough and decided to pursue her Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene where she could provide a greater scope of care to patients in a clinical setting. Her most memorable experience at Plaza College has been the new friendships with her fellow classmates, the patients who have supported her educational journey, and the Professors. “I’ve been lucky to have found people who give of their time and refer their family and friends to me in the clinic. Twice a patient brought me chocolate!”
Ms. Hubbard is also the President of the Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association. This semester she looks forward to organizing lunch and learning with brand representatives or staffing agencies. “I’m thinking of reaching out to companies that have products, but also educational value.” She is also in the home stretch to finish up her clinical requirements and plans on being a patient to a student in Cohort 9. Just as well, her board exams are coming up which she says is “exciting but also nerve wracking.” Dr.Sleeper, Dean of the School of Dental Sciences, shares that “Ms. Hubbard is a leader. From the moment I met her I knew she possessed the grit and determination it takes to get through this rigorous program. She has proven me right many times over. I’m very excited to see where this degree takes her!”
The Professors in the Dental Hygiene program have been her number one source of support. “Everyone has been so helpful and I have never been scared to ask for help.” Ms. Hubbard has a position lined up upon completing her degree coursework at a general dentistry practice. She would also like to give back to underserved communities. “I speak Spanish and this gives me the ability to work with other demographics. Maybe one day I can be a travel hygienist. Eventually I’d like to become a Professor/Clinical Instructor for this field too.” Professor Fassacesia says, “in addition to being the president of our student organization, Ms.Hubbard is a leader in clinic. She is a compassionate and engaged healthcare professional, and we expect great things.”
Ms. Hubbard applied a lot of self discipline when it came to maintaining her grades. She used her Saturdays for homework and if an assignment wasn’t completed she wouldn’t socialize in order to have more time to complete this work and to study. Her favorite Fall season beverage is a pumpkin spice latte with oat milk from Dunkin’ Donuts. She also loves pumpkin picking and carving pumpkins to illuminate them with candles. She highly recommends watching “Only Murders in the Building” on Hulu, “The Bachelor,” or “The Bachelorette” as well!
