by Grace A. Curcuru, D.D.S.
The Michigan Dental Foundation proudly presents Kerri Hyde as a recipient of the 2007-2008 Michigan Dental Foundation Robert D. Mitus Scholarship Award.
Hyde, from Flint, Mich., is currently enrolled in the dental assisting program at Mott Community College. I had the opportunity to chat with the recipient and would like to shares some of his thoughts and inspirations regarding dentistry:
1. Where do you go to school, which schools have you attended on your journey to becoming a dental professional?
I graduated from Flint Southwestern High School. I currently attend Mott Community College, Dental Assisting Program. I have also attended Baker College.
2. Why did you want to become a dental professional?
I had been in manufacturing most of my working career, but with the economy the way it is, I kept getting laid off due to downsizing. After getting laid off in April of 2007, I knew I needed a change. My sister has been a dental assistant for 20 yrs. She really enjoys her career and I want a career that will be fulfilling.
3. Who inspired/mentored you along the way?
I believe all my instructors; Dr. Polk, Mrs. Beorsma, Mrs. Blair, Mrs. Jarzul, Ms. Roos, Mrs. Ranville and Ms. Schanic, have inspired me. My sister, Ruthie Osbon, who has been a dental assistant for 20 years also has inspired me a lot. The stories they tell about the dental profession, their enthusiasm about being an assistant, and their energy and excitement they have for teaching the program have helped me keep going even through all the hard work.
4. What is the best advice you have been given while in the pursuit of your career?
To read your assignments ahead of time. It made understanding the material a lot easier, and when the instructor lectured on it, it made sense and was easier to understand. Also, because of all the information given to us, being organized is essential.
5. What advice can you give to students thinking about pursuing a career in dentistry?
The same as above.
6. What do you enjoy the most about dentistry?
I enjoy hands on work, and working with a variety of patients.
7. Can you share a story about dental school, which made you realize that dentistry was the right profession for you?
When I did my observation for class, I knew then for sure that I wanted to be a dental assistant.
8. Is there one procedure you enjoy the most?
I enjoy the variety and I like doing them all. There is a real sense of accomplishment when you get the amalgam restoration or the IRM temporary finished or getting the aluminum crown temporally cemented on, and then have the instructor tell you how good it looks.
9. How has winning the Michigan Dental Foundation Scholarship helped you?
I had used all of my financial aid for winter semester, and now I have enough to finish paying for spring tuition. I would not have been able to finish the program without this scholarship.
10. Where do you see yourself in six months after graduation?
I see myself working as an RDA / CDA in general dentistry but I’m not opposed to work in a specialty office, especially at a pediatric office. I like children and I like the idea of working in an operating room at the hospitals. In fact I chose to do one of my extern-ships at Mott Children’s Health Center.
11. Where do you see yourself in three to 10 years after graduation?
In the fall of 2008 I plan to continue my education at Farris State in hope of teaching in the dental assisting program.
12. Have you attended any local, state or national dental meetings?
I have attended a local GDDAS meeting, and annual session will be my first state meeting.
13. If so, what did you enjoy about attending the meeting?
I really enjoyed meeting and sharing the same experiences with other dental assistant’s. I’m a proponent of organized dentistry and always enjoy discussing the issues at hand.
14. Do you see yourself participating in organized dentistry, serving on a committee on either a national, state or local level? If so which one interests you?
Yes, I do plan to serve in organized dentistry. At this point I’m uncertain as to the level and capacity I’d be most interested in.
15. What do you like to do beyond dentistry, hobbies, talents, etc?
I like to cross stitch. I enjoy traveling and I enjoy the water, whether it is in Michigan, up north, or out of state. I love the ocean so Florida is one of my favorite vacation spots.
I love to travel and do things outdoors, and I’m also interested in aviation. I was pursuing my private pilot’s license but found it too expensive and time-consuming to complete as a dental student.
Thank you for a glimpse into the life of a Michigan Dental Foundation John G. Nolen Scholarship recipient. Your hard work and efforts are clearly demonstrated. You will be an asset to the dental profession.
The Michigan Dental Foundation awards scholarships annually to dental, dental hygiene and dental assisting students. We believe that the people of Michigan deserve exceptional oral health professionals. All scholarships are given to Michigan residents attending Michigan universities and colleges. The Michigan Dental Foundation is devoted to becoming the philanthropic leader of the oral health community in order to fund student scholarships, provide oral health initiatives and access to care.
Smiling futures start here!