Julia Ybarra graduated from the Dental Assisting program at 黑料不打烊 San Jose in December of 2024. She is already enjoying her career as a Dental Assistant, helping people have comfortable, positive experiences at the dentist鈥攁nd in doing so, promoting their good health.
Julia was nominated to share her story because she stood out as a student, a supportive peer, in her externship, and now, at her job. She works hard and shows true generosity, intelligence, and a passion for helping her patients. Her positive attitude and kindness helped boost team morale during her externship.
鈥淛ulia has been an exceptional student,鈥� says Tiffany Horton, DA Program Director. 鈥淲hile on externship, she excelled at all procedures and tasks she was given. She demonstrates professionalism and a strong work ethic.鈥�
In this Graduate Spotlight, Julia shares her experience in the Dental Assisting program鈥攁s well as great advice for students and job-seekers.
What did you do before enrolling in the Dental Assisting program?
Before starting the program, I worked in customer service roles, including as a supervisor at Starbucks and a cashier at Coach.
I worked at Starbucks for two years as a barista, and then for three years as a supervisor. I enjoyed the fast-paced environment, connecting with customers and leading a team. One of the biggest challenges was handling rush hours while ensuring quality service. As a supervisor, managing a team, handling orders, and keeping everything running smoothly was rewarding but also stressful at times.
At Coach, I worked as a cashier, which was a change from food service. I liked interacting with customers and helping them find products they loved, but I realized retail wasn鈥檛 where I wanted to build my long-term career.
Why did you decide to change careers and study Dental Assisting?
I decided to change paths when I realized I wanted a more stable career with growth opportunities 鈥� something in the healthcare field, where I could help people in a meaningful way.
I鈥檝e always been passionate about helping people with their oral health. I saw Dental Assisting as a great first step toward my goal of becoming a dental hygienist.
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What was your favorite part of the Dental Assisting program?
I enjoyed learning hands-on skills, like taking X-rays and assisting with procedures. I also loved the teamwork aspect, and how supportive my classmates and instructors are.
Did you encounter any challenges during your time as a student? If so, how did you manage them?
Balancing school with work and personal responsibilities was challenging at times. I managed this by staying organized, setting a study schedule, and reminding myself why I started this journey in the first place. The support of my classmates and instructors also helped a lot.
What was your externship experience like?
I had my externship at Morgan Hill Dental Associates; it was a great experience. It gave me valuable hands-on training and helped me feel more confident working in a dental office.
During my time there, I worked hard to learn the flow of the office, assist efficiently, and show that I was a good fit for the team. My experience there helped confirm that dental assisting was the right choice for me. Toward the end of my externship, I expressed interest in staying, and they offered me a position as a dental assistant!
Congratulations on your job! What was the hiring process like?
The process was smooth, since I was already externing at my current place of employment. By the time my externship was ending, I had demonstrated my skills and my work ethic, and they knew I wanted to stay.
They officially offered me the job and I completed the necessary paperwork. Because I was already trained for the job and their procedures, it was a seamless transition. I started working right away with little additional training.
Do you have any advice for getting hired after an externship?
Yes! Work hard and show initiative鈥攅mployers notice when you are interested. Communicate your interest鈥攊f you want to stay, don鈥檛 be afraid to say so! Be professional and reliable, show up on time, be a team player, and take your role seriously. And don鈥檛 be afraid to ask for feedback; this shows you鈥檙e open to improvement.
I was lucky that my externship turned into a job, but even if yours doesn鈥檛, it鈥檚 a great way to build connections and gain experience that can help you land your first job!
What is a typical day like for you as a Dental Assistant? What is your favorite part of the job, and what do you find challenging?
A typical day involves setting up treatment rooms, assisting the dentist with procedures, taking X-rays, sterilizing instruments, and ensuring patients feel comfortable. My favorite part of the job is helping patients and being part of a great dental team. The most challenging part is staying on top of a fast-paced schedule, but it keeps things exciting and rewarding.
Do you have any advice for someone just beginning the Dental Assisting program?
Stay organized, ask questions, and practice as much as possible! The more hands-on experience you get, the more confident you鈥檒l feel. Also, build strong connections with your classmates and instructors鈥攖hey can be a great support system throughout your journey. Most importantly, remember why you started and stay motivated.
