Good news!

This past July, I went from part-time to full-time at the community health center where I have been since April of 2016. My first job out of dental school, I took to it immediately and have developed an overwhelming and passionate commitment to public dental health care. 

At this point, nearly three years out of school, I know where I am meant to be -- serving my community, providing dental health care to the underserved, and providing for my family. The Holy Spirit has lead me to this place in my career. 

With that, I am pleased and grateful to announce that I have been hired as Associate Dental Director of La Clinica Transit Village Dental Clinic. It is a tremendous honor and responsibility. I look forward to leading the already spectacular team of dentists, assistants, and administrative staff. Not only will I continue to serve my patients, but I will get to contribute to the management and direction of my clinic. 

I aim to serve our community with respect, care, and compassion. And I am floored by warm reception by the staff. I officially start my new role tomorrow, so please, say a quick prayer for wisdom and grace as I transition.

Good news

God is so good.

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Exactly four years ago, today, was my first day of Dental School - and what a four years it has been indeed!

But when I think about it, it has been at least fifteen or more years on this journey. I knew I wanted to be a dentist when I was in elementary school. Flash forward to high school and my entire focus was on getting into college and in college my focus was dental school. Unwavering, never-changing, in it for the long haul focus. And here I am - years and a million standardized tests, study session, papers, and headaches later - a Doctor of Dental Surgery. 

You can cry now, I know I have been.

First day of Dental School, 12 September 2011 | Clinic Induction Ceremony, 3 July 2013

Just call me doctor.

God is good.

Pomp and circumstance

My dental school graduation was on Thursday and I am still on cloud nine. It is completely surreal and it still has not hit me quite yet. The ceremony was filled with all the lovely pomp and circumstance that the occasion required and I am so grateful that my family came out to support and congratulate me. You all get honorary DDSs in my book.

On to some photos!

Oh what a day. 

The one with the license exam

I. D.I.D. I.T. YEAHOOLALALA. 

Wait what? 

Oh yes, I completed my dental license clinical exam. This weekend was one of the most physically, emotionally, and mentally challenging examinations of my life. I took my Western Regional Examination Board for my dental license and now I'm dead. 

Well not dead, just really, REALLY tired. I am thrilled that another hurdle towards that elusive D.D.S. is behind me. While I still have to wait for the official results, I am confident that I did well enough to pass with flying colors, olé! 

But now I want to sleep for ten million hours. 

Emma has the idea of it. 

Board certified, yo

Oh hey, nice to see you. Guess what?

I passed my dental boards, wee! 

When we got home from our trip on Sunday night, I ran to our mailbox and opened the letter while we were in the elevator. I passed! Yay! 

That means this old broad is board certified. (Yeesh, say that ten times fast.)

Can I get a woot woot?

Now I only need my license and that pesky diploma before I am unleashed on the world. Mwahahaha. 

(I didn’t mean for that to sound so menacing. I hope I didn’t scare you.)

Puppies! 

Now, don’t we feel better?