Jesse Gallegos
Public Relations Coordinator
Luna Community College
Aug. 2, 2021
Luna 2021 dental assisting student Angela Solano may have said it best during a speech she gave during a recent dental pinning ceremony.
“This past year has been a tough one for many people because of the pandemic,” said Solano. “New academic struggles have given us what I would describe as an identity crisis, causing all of us to question whether we are worthy of our ambitions in becoming dental assistants. Even on long days and sometimes sleepless nights of studying, I knew that we would all make it out together. We never ceased to bring out the best in each other. As we light our candles this evening, take your candle and light the world. Be the light that helps others see.”
Solano joined Jasmine Barela, Daylyn Chavez, Alyssa Grego, Analysse Lucero and Kaitlin Torrez as not only the latest of quality dental assistant graduates produced at Luna, but perhaps the most special because of what they and the rest of world have been through over the last 12 months with the COVID-19 crisis.
“I believe in you,” were the first words spoken by dental assistant administrator Gloria Pacheco, a 20- year veteran of Luna’s teaching ranks. “It’s a milestone that will lead to bigger and broader opportunities. It’s hard work, and you’ve been through the challenges. Always remember that anything that life throws at you will make you stronger. The knowledge and skills that you learned here — there is no one that can ever take it away from you. You worked for it.”
Dr. Tyler Martinez, a dentist at the Mora Valley Dental Clinic, was the guest speaker.
“What you do will make a difference,” said Dr. Martinez. “It’s new every single day. What you do helps someone get out of pain. Dentists would be lost without you. No matter where you go, the first thing you do is make sure you’re happy.”
In a recent report by Dental Assistant Life, many dental assistants agree they have an extremely rewarding and meaningful career. Surveyed dental assistants reported that the most rewarding aspects of their jobs were making a difference in patients’ lives, helping patients improve their oral health, and patient relationships and gratitude.
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2021 dental assistant graduates were all smiles after the dental assisting pinning ceremony that was held on Friday, July 23, at the Media Arts Auditorium. Luna President Dr. Edward Martinez, along with several dozen family members and friends, attended the event. For more information on the program, please call Program Administrator Gloria Pacheco at 505-454-2528.
