Dental students get scholarships
Roy Lenn
Posted on: 11/12/09 Section: Features
Three second-year students from PCC's dental laboratory program have earned scholarships to further pursue careers in dentistry.
Phil Acevedo, Marjorie De La Cruz and Josh Rubino respectively won first, second and third place Allied Dental Health scholarships last month, ranging from $200 to over $600.
The San Gabriel Valley Dental Society, the California Dental Association Foundation and the Dental Foundation of California award the scholarships annually based on personal statements, demonstrated leadership and achievements, and a desire to pursue a career in the dental field, according to Juan Gutierrez, PCC's public relations director.
First place recipient Acevedo plans to go to dental school, and says that the scholarship and the experience he's gained in the program helps in applying for admission.
Deciding how to gain experience for dental school, Acevedo chose PCC's dental laboratory program over a master's program, and feels that he will be better prepared.
"I'm going to be a much better dentist because of this," said Acevedo.
He added that it used to be required for dentists to have dental technician training.
For De La Cruz, the dental lab tech program allows her to express her artistic side.
"I'm really good with my hands, and was supposed to be an art major, but this program was better," said De La Cruz. "Dental technology is more of an art for me, and I don't have to deal with patients," she said, noting one of the major stresses of dentistry.
She plans to continue her studies at UCLA's maxillofacial laboratory program.
A good tech not only makes the tooth function, but makes it look more natural," said Acevedo.
Josh Rubino comes from a family connected to dentistry. His father is a dentist, and his mother is a hygienist.
After they retire, his parents plan to keep doing work by renting a dental chair at a practice, and Rubino plans to assist them as a lab tech.
Phil Acevedo, Marjorie De La Cruz and Josh Rubino respectively won first, second and third place Allied Dental Health scholarships last month, ranging from $200 to over $600.
The San Gabriel Valley Dental Society, the California Dental Association Foundation and the Dental Foundation of California award the scholarships annually based on personal statements, demonstrated leadership and achievements, and a desire to pursue a career in the dental field, according to Juan Gutierrez, PCC's public relations director.
First place recipient Acevedo plans to go to dental school, and says that the scholarship and the experience he's gained in the program helps in applying for admission.
Deciding how to gain experience for dental school, Acevedo chose PCC's dental laboratory program over a master's program, and feels that he will be better prepared.
"I'm going to be a much better dentist because of this," said Acevedo.
He added that it used to be required for dentists to have dental technician training.
For De La Cruz, the dental lab tech program allows her to express her artistic side.
"I'm really good with my hands, and was supposed to be an art major, but this program was better," said De La Cruz. "Dental technology is more of an art for me, and I don't have to deal with patients," she said, noting one of the major stresses of dentistry.
She plans to continue her studies at UCLA's maxillofacial laboratory program.
A good tech not only makes the tooth function, but makes it look more natural," said Acevedo.
Josh Rubino comes from a family connected to dentistry. His father is a dentist, and his mother is a hygienist.
After they retire, his parents plan to keep doing work by renting a dental chair at a practice, and Rubino plans to assist them as a lab tech.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Gary W. Vollan L.D.
posted 11/14/09 @ 3:54 PM PST
I would like to see PCC create a denturist program along with the dental lab program to give people another dental profession option. In California denturist are working under an alternative healthcare law which is an umbrella for self-regulation or professions regulating themselves and there is only one college in the United States that has a denturist program, Bates Technical College, in Tacoma Washington. (Continued…)
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