Advancing Her Career: Julissa's Path to Dental Hygiene

Looking for a career where you can make a difference in people's lives? Meet Julissa Medina Lopez, a proud graduate of Concorde's Dental Hygiene program in Aurora, Colorado.

Julissa's dedication led her to pursue her dream of becoming a dental hygienist, and Concorde prepared her with the hands-on healthcare career training to help her get there.

After earning her Dental Assistant diploma from Concorde in 2019, Julissa returned to our Aurora campus to further her passion for patient care, graduating with an associate's degree in dental hygiene in April 2024.

Today, she's putting her skills and knowledge to work as a dental hygienist at Cloud Dentistry. Julissa's story is an inspiring example of how Concorde can prepare driven individuals to achieve their career goals.
 

Why Julissa Chose Concorde

"I heard about Concorde through word-of-mouth from peers who had positive experiences there," she shares.

Intrigued by these recommendations and seeking a meaningful career, Julissa decided to visit our Aurora campus to explore the Dental Assistant program.

"The campus felt welcoming and professional, and the staff was supportive and dedicated to helping students succeed," Julissa recalls.

She emphasized Concorde's commitment to hands-on training, explaining how the program blends classroom learning with lab simulations and valuable clinical experiences.

Julissa felt confident that this approach would prepare her for a fulfilling career as a dental assistant, preparing her to provide quality patient care and make an impact on her community.
 

Answering the Call to Advance Her Career

“I wanted to help people and make a bigger difference in their lives," Julissa explains, reflecting on her decision to pursue a career in dental hygiene.

This desire to have a lasting impact on her patients' well-being grew from her industry experience as a dental assistant. For four years, Julissa worked closely with patients, witnessing firsthand the impact of quality dental care on their health and confidence.

She saw how a healthy smile could transform someone's self-esteem and overall quality of life. But it was her colleague that inspired Julissa to take a more active role.

“I distinctly remember a time when I was assisting with a patient’s procedure, and the hygienist was leading the appointment on her own, providing guidance, care and making clinical decisions. In that moment, I realized how much I valued the autonomy in the role,” shares Julissa.

“The ability to work independently, have direct patient interactions, and manage my own appointments felt like the perfect next step for me. It was clear dental hygiene would allow me to use my skills in a more independent and impactful way.”

This ambition, nurtured by her time chairside, led her back to Concorde's Dental Hygiene program. Having already experienced the supportive environment and career-focused training, she believed Concorde was the place to fuel her passion for dental care.

Hands-On Learning, Real-World Impact

Julissa thrived in Concorde's Dental Hygiene program. "I enjoyed interacting with patients and gaining real-world experience, especially when I could see the direct impact of my care," she shares.

The clinical rotations were a highlight, providing her with the opportunity to apply her skills in a real dental office setting, working with diverse patients and honing her abilities under the guidance of experienced professionals.

She recalls one rewarding experience:

"One memory that stands out was helping a particularly anxious patient feel more at ease during a difficult appointment. I remember taking extra time to explain each step of the procedure, making sure they understood everything, and using calming techniques to make them feel more comfortable. By the end, they were visibly less anxious, which was really rewarding for me. Moments like that remind me of why I love what I do.”

This experience, and many others like it, reinforced the importance of patient communication and building trust—skills that are essential for a rewarding career in dental hygiene.
 

The Value of Clinical Experience in Dental Hygiene Training

 Clinical experience is a cornerstone of Concorde’s Dental Hygiene program, preparing students for the challenges and rewards of a career in dental hygiene.

“My clinical experience gave me practical experience and confidence in patient care, preparing me to handle diverse situations in a real-world setting,” says Julissa.

During clinical rotations, students like Julissa gain hands-on experience working alongside experienced professionals and interacting with patients. They perform a range of dental hygiene procedures, including:

• Conducting patient assessments: Gathering medical and dental histories, taking vital signs, and performing oral health screenings
• Providing preventive care: Performing teeth cleanings, applying fluoride treatments and educating patients on oral hygiene practices
• Taking dental radiographs: Capturing X-rays to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning
• Administering local anesthesia: Preparing patients for procedures and ensuring their comfort

These rotations not only prepare students with technical skills but also foster the development of essential soft skills, such as collaboration, communication, time management and problem-solving.

“Managing time with multiple patients during my clinicals was challenging, but I learned to stay organized and prioritized tasks, which helped me overcome it,” shares Julissa.

What’s Next on Julissa’s To-Do List?

Julissa's journey from dental assistant to dental hygienist is a testament to her dedication, ambition, and the supportive environment she found at Concorde.

Looking ahead, Julissa is excited to continue growing in her career, starting with her pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene later this year.

Are you ready to take the next step toward training for your own dental career? Take our Personality Assessment or schedule a Career Matching session with a Concorde Admissions Representative to learn more about our Dental Assistant and Dental Hygiene programs.