“At first it didn’t seem like today was going to happen,” recalled Latricia Sanchez, one of Luna Community College’s six dental assisting graduates. “But there is a will — and there is a way.”
Sanchez, who spoke on behalf of the 2020 graduating class in a special online ceremony July 29, said it wasn’t easy to overcome the disruption caused by COVID-19 this past spring semester.
But with the support of loved ones and Luna’s faculty and staff, she and her classmates persevered.
“As a class we were able to persist and continue in the program,” Sanchez said. “And I couldn’t be prouder of us.”
The lingering impact of COVID was evident as the ceremony was held virtually — with each of the dental assisting graduates, instructors and a few others participating via their desktop computers or cell phones. Still, this group marked the occasion with a candle lighting, reciting of the dental assistants’ pledge and pinning of each graduate. Those in attendance then watched a 15-minute video commemorating their collective journey in the program.
“Tonight’s event is extra special,” said Gloria Pacheco, who doubles as an instructor and program administrator for dental assisting. “It is a little bit different … I can’t express how deeply grateful I am to see so many faces. The students all hung in there through COVID-19 … six students (each of whom) I consider a hero in so many ways.”
“You have a different perspective on life than any other graduating class at Luna,” interim Vice President Maxine Hughes told the graduates. “Your ability to adapt, that you’ve shown, will really help and carry you through.”
“You guys are troopers,” said Pastor Nicole Lopez, who serenaded those gathered with the national anthem and an additional song, also providing an opening prayer and words of encouragement. “Through all of this, you have remained strong … You were able to lean on family, your teachers and staff, and God.”
“The students have demonstrated sincere dedication, strength, efficiency, self discipline and cooperativeness through this tough time,” Pacheco told the Luna Light.
The six grads included Jesselle Gold, Naomi Gonzales, Shyan Maddux, Jennifer Romero, Latricia Sanchez and Alec Vigil.
Luna instructor Chantel Rivera recognized each of the grads and their unique contributions this past school year, noting their growth as individuals. For example, she said, Sanchez proved highly inquisitive — a quality that led to learning for the entire group.
“I didn’t realize how much work went into dental assisting,” Sanchez said. “It’s sometimes overlooked. (I learned) there is a lot more to dentistry.”
Then she turned her remarks to her fellow grads: “(Dental assistants) are the backbone of an office. Never let anyone belittle us. We are as important as a dentist.”
Luna’s dental assisting program differs from most of the college’s other programs in that it requires a commitment of three consecutive semesters within a school year, combining theory and classroom learning with practical, hands-on experience.
“Earning a certificate in dental assisting provides the individual the opportunity to work effectively in all aspects in the dental office,” Pacheco said, “working alongside the dentist or independently as some procedures allow. They are more proficient in the laboratory procedures, with a better understanding of dental radiology. Becoming a certified dental assistant thus going through proper training will provide them with the knowledge and skills to move into a higher level in dentistry such as doctor of dental science and/or dental hygiene.”
For more information on Luna’s dental assisting program, e-mail Pacheco at gpacheco@luna.edu or call 505-454-2528, ext. 1814.
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