Elizabeth is a senior dental assisting student at Grand Rapids Community College who calls Grand Rapids her home.

After hearing a presentation on dentistry during a career day in high school, Elizabeth said she wanted to enroll in the dental assisting program at Grand Rapids Community College. She attributes her success throughout the program to the support given by her family, friends and faculty.

“My family and my boyfriend were always there to help me whether that meant going through flashcards or just being an ear to listen,” she said, adding that instructors in the dental assisting program at GRCC were great – especially Julie Bera and Jean VerWys. “They are so good at what they do and very encouraging.”

In addition, Elizabeth said her internship with Dr. James Lockwood, taught her “an amazing amount about all areas of dentistry.” She said Dr. Lockwood patiently explained many facets of dentistry, especially in unfamiliar areas, and it helped her gain confidence as a dental assistant.

Elizabeth enjoys many aspects of dental assisting, but especially enjoys talking with patients, helping them feel relaxed, and sitting chairside doing restorative procedures. Although she was told the dental assisting program was challenging, Elizabeth adopted an extensive study schedule involving “a ton of flashcards.”

Winning a Michigan Dental Foundation scholarship was a tremendous help, according to Elizabeth, as the tuition cost of attending the dental assisting program was a bit overwhelming to her. “Winning this scholarship was so awesome!” she said. “It was such an encouragement as I finished up the last part of my year. Financially, it was a huge help and I was so excited to be able to go to Lansing to meet the people who help make the scholarship available.”

Elizabeth said she has also learned a little bit about organized dentistry. She’s attended the Chicago Midwinter Convention and the MDA’s Annual Session, and is currently a student member of both the Grand Rapids Dental Assistants Association and the American Dental Assistants Association.

Elizabeth said she has no idea where she’ll be in six months let alone 10 years, but what she does know is that she intends to be working in the dental professional and using what she’s learned in dental assisting school to the benefit of the dental practice in which she’s employed.