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Student Stories

Amberena FairleeAmberena Fairlee, DMD

Dental Assisting graduate
Dentist at Alpenglow Dental

"When I signed up for the Dental Assisting program, I had absolutely no intention of ever becoming a dentist," says Dr. Amberena Fairlee who practices at Alpenglow Dental. "The instructors were so lovely and encouraging, though, and they provided me and other students with the support to help us reach even higher. I never thought the program or COCC would be the spark to change the future of my life, but it totally was."

A 2007 graduate of the COCC Dental Assisting program — who ultimately received her DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) a decade later — Fairlee's learning path included an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree in pre-dentistry from COCC, a Bachelor of Science from Portland State University in health studies, and a DMD in general dentistry from Oregon Health and Science University's School of Dentistry. 

"The moment that sticks out for me is when I was a practicum student at my very first dental office during training," she says, thinking back on her time in the COCC program. "I showed up to help and learn in whatever way I could, but when I arrived one morning, every dental assistant I was supposed to work with was sick. I ended up being the only assistant for the dentist for that entire day. The day went smooth and the dentist I worked with told the office to hire me whenever they got the chance. I ended up working at that office for six years before starting dental school." 

"The instructors were so lovely and encouraging, though, and they provided me and other students with the support to help us reach even higher."

Fairlee is an inaugural-year graduate of the Oregon Dental Association's Leadership Academy and currently serves as a trustee for the Central Oregon district of the association's board. 

Juan FloresJuan Flores

Dental Assisting graduate
Certified Dental Assistant, Sullivan Orthodontics

When Juan Flores was at a career crossroads, he called the COCC Dental Assisting program to request more information about the program. During the call, he received a salient piece of advice: Try shadowing an assistant at a dental clinic to see if the work speaks to you. Flores had friends from Southern California, his former home, who'd gone through dental assisting training — occasionally glimpsing their new careers through Facebook posts — and he was ready to move into a rewarding occupation beyond the retail jobs he'd been working. That call provided the spark: "After a day at a dental office in town, I decided to start my own journey in the field."

"My favorite part about the program was that most of our patients left with a smile, even if their face was still numb."

Flores found an inviting learning atmosphere at COCC. "What impressed me about the instructors is that they create a very supportive environment for the students," he says. "Just like many programs at COCC when you're with the same group of people, you create a community and support each other. Students encourage and bond with each other during lessons and clinics. The instructors do a great job of creating lesson plans that help students find a dental specialty they want to work in once they graduate from the program."

Assisting with the Community Dental Clinic as a student provided an early affirmation of Flores' career decision. "It was during those Fridays where I enjoyed not only providing treatment, but also engaging with the patients during their visit. My favorite part about the program was that most of our patients left with a smile, even if their face was still numb." Flores continues to assist with the Community Dental Clinic.

Today, he works in a pediatric dental office that provides orthodontic treatment. "I am an assistant and treatment coordinator where I work closely with our orthodontist and an amazing team to design treatment plans that we present to families and change lives, one smile at a time."

Ashley KingsfordAshley Kingsford

Dental Assistant, Timm Family Dentistry
Dental Assisting graduate

Joining the health care field was always on Ashley Kingsford's radar after high school — even after spending a meaningful decade in the daycare and preschool world. Despite some trepidation about being chairside in a dental clinic, Kingsford was inspired by an aunt who works as an orthodontic assistant. She ultimately listened to her inner voice and enrolled in COCC's Dental Assisting program, starting out at her home campus in Prineville.  

"Being able to do all my prerequisites in Prineville was so helpful," she says. "It saved me a lot of time and money, with not having to travel to Bend to get them done." 

Kingsford excelled in the Dental Assisting program. She received the "Student Achievement Award" from the Oregon Dental Assistants Association and was hired by a Redmond dental practice immediately after completing her practicum hours. Kingsford has also served as a part-time Dental Assisting instructor at COCC.  

"Being able to do all my prerequisites in Prineville was so helpful."

That early sense that health care was her true calling has never wavered: "Seeing a patient come in with some problems and then being able to help them achieve the look and smile they want…is amazing."