Dominique Whigham is a Dental Hygiene student in the PTEW Program pursuing her associate degree and looking forward to graduating in spring semester 2025! For her, the Student Spotlight represents “being a leader but also a team player. I’m very driven but also want to help my peers. I’m a people person. It’s what motivates me to do good for others but also set the bar high for myself. I’m a liaison for the PTEW Cohort and took this position because I felt I could make a difference.”
Dominique has been a Dental Assistant for seventeen years. She also worked in roles from receptionist to coordinator in dental offices. “I’ve done general dentistry, pediatrics, and oral surgery. I felt it was time to work directly with patients in my care. I wanted to elevate my career in this profession.” She prides herself on working with nervous patients, making sure they feel comfortable and calm in the chair. She feels her roles both in the front and back end of dentistry have given her this advantage when it comes to creating a pleasant patient experience.
Her most memorable experience in the Dental Hygiene program was having her first patient as part of the cohort’s partner prophy, where peers work on each other. “I learned about the things I’m doing well and the skills I need to improve. Everyday is memorable because of the staff who assist us in our education both clinically and didactically.” Professor Vinci says, “Dominique is an outstanding dental hygiene student. Throughout her time in the program, Dominique has consistently demonstrated hard work, dedication, and is committed to oral health and patient care. It is evident in the quality of her work as she continues to strive to improve her skills and knowledge. What truly sets Dominique apart is her willingness to help her classmates. She regularly goes out of her way to assist others, whether by explaining difficult concepts, sharing resources, or offering encouragement. Dominique’s collaborative spirit and supportive nature contribute significantly to a positive learning environment for all. In addition to her focus on helping others, Dominique remains deeply committed to doing her personal best. She approaches every task with professionalism, determination, and a strong sense of responsibility, always seeking to excel in her academic and clinical work. For these reasons, I believe Dominique Whigham is highly deserving of this nomination, and I look forward to seeing her continued success in the dental hygiene field.”
This semester, Dominique plans on participating in all the SADHA (Student American Dental Hygiene Association) activities. “I want to represent my cohort as a liaison for the PTEW.” Professor Asadi says, “Dominique is a well rounded student who applies herself in all that she does. She is driven, dedicated, and disciplined. Whether it be in a lecture or in the clinic, she finds a way to serve not just herself, but those around her as well. This is a student who stands out for her strong work ethics, a student who is not afraid to ask for help or guidance, and a student who is always willing to pass down any knowledge obtained.”
She credits Plaza College with supporting her career journey by creating the part time evening weekend (PTEW) program for Dental Hygiene. “Plaza is the first school located close enough to where I live that offers this type of program and I jumped to apply for the second cohort. I also very much appreciate the virtual classes. This has been a big help with my work schedule.” Her dream job is to give back to low income African American communities. “I want to bridge the gap and make a change. Representation is really important, and seeing a woman like me can help dispel fear around dentistry and make them feel more comfortable. I would also like to travel to different countries where they don’t have access to dental care.”
Dominique explained that balancing her job and personal responsibilities came down to making lifestyle changes. “I go to bed at a specific time, I wake up early to work out, drink lots of water, and eat healthy for nutrition and energy. I also am cognizant to only surround myself with family and friends who support me. Being at my job also helps in learning more about the content in my program. I’d like to start meditating as well. I also use a planner and write down everything I need to do for the next week, plus my goals for the day regarding my assignments.” Her favorite fall season activity is apple picking and drinking apple cider. On Netflix, she loves watching real life documentaries.
