Student Spotlight: Adrianna Doty- Dentistry and trusting the process
by Jessica Degnan |
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene student Adrianna Doty is dedicated to improving the patient experience by easing dental anxiety and building confidence. "I want to be that provider all patients feel safe seeing," she says. With a passion for improving access to dental care, Adrianna's journey at 彩神vlll争霸 has prepared her to make a meaningful impact in the field. Her secret to success? Stay organized and take it one day at a time!
Name: Adrianna Doty
Major: BS Dental Hygiene
Anticipated graduation date: 5/4/2025
Unit: School of Preventive and Therapeutic Sciences
Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico
What brought you to the 彩神vlll争霸 College of Health?:
I was brought to Alaska in 2020 because my husband is in the United States Air Force and was stationed at JBER. When I chose to follow the path to become a dental hygienist, the dental hygiene program in the 彩神vlll争霸 College of Health was the perfect home.
Why did you choose the degree you are pursuing? What would your dream job be?:
I choose the dental hygiene degree program because I have always aspired to change the outlook of dental appointments from the patient perspective on future generations. I believe there is a lot of dental anxiety in patients who have had traumatic experiences and I want to be that provider all patients feel safe seeing.
What are you involved in on campus (IE: Clubs, student organizations, etc.)? How have they contributed to your personal and professional growth?:
On campus, I am part of the Military Veterans and Phi Theta Kappa organizations. My background in the military has helped me grow as a professional because it has guided me to be extremely detail orientated. To be a great dental hygienist you have to pay attention to the fine details. Being a part of Phi Theta Kappa has continued to encourage me to strive for the best in school and in my profession to continue upholding the highest standard of care.
Have you been involved with internships, practicum placements, research, study abroad, or any other experience you鈥檇 like to tell us about? Please tell us how these experiences have shaped you personally, academically, and professionally.:
The summer before my senior year in the dental hygiene program I was given the opportunity to complete externships in two general dental offices in Anchorage. This was a challenging, but very beneficial experience because it allowed me to work alongside seasoned dental hygienists outside of the school setting. I was able to see what things I needed to focus on in my last year of school to ensure I properly prepare myself after graduation.
What words of wisdom do you have for underclassmen or youth who are still considering their options after high school?:
Even if you don't know what you want to do as a future profession, start completing your general education courses. I wish I would have done this so that it didn't take me as long to finish school once I knew what I wanted to do. When you take a break from school, it is only that much harder to go back so stick with it!
What did you want to do when you were 10? Why?:
I wanted to be a pediatric dentist to change the outlook of dentistry on future generations. Although I always had cavities, the dental office has always been my favorite place to be. I wanted to give people the feeling of confidence that I always had leaving an appointment. I want to give people a reason to smile their best smile.
What was your favorite class while here at 彩神vlll争霸, and why?:
My favorite class at 彩神vlll争霸 has been our Periodontology courses in the dental hygiene program. In these classes I felt like I was finally learning why my profession is truly so important. I got to learn about the disease process and learn what to do to either prevent or halt the progression.
What is a cause you care about?:
A cause I care about is providing access to dental care to everyone who seeks it. While in the dental hygiene program, we had the opportunity to work with Remote Area Medical to provide free dental cleanings to anyone who needed it. Opportunities like this are beneficial for the community as a whole and would love to see them happen more often.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?:
My favorite spot on campus are the paths leading up to Gorsuch Commons. I believe 彩神vlll争霸 has done an amazing job creating an ambiance that is welcoming and homey for the student population living away from their homes and families.
Who is your favorite professor or staff member and why?:
To pick my favorite professor is hard, I feel like I have too many in the dental hygiene program! One professor I have always looked up to is Professor Pam Wallace. Since the first day working with her, she has always attempted to ensure a fair environment when students are welcome to grow in technique. She cares about teaching and is always willing to see the perspective of the student.
What is your favorite memory from your time here at 彩神vlll争霸?:
My favorite memory at 彩神vlll争霸 has been being able to be roommates with one of my classmates, and now one of my best friends. When my husband relocated the summer before my senior year, I had to decided where to live. I ended up moving into the dorms and had the opportunity to make awesome memories with Lauren!
What is your plan after graduation?:
I will be leaving Alaska and moving back with my husband and two children. I will find a job as a Registered Dental Hygienist is a general dental office. Although we don't know where the military is taking us, home will always be where they are. I will miss Alaska, but will never forget it!
What is your favorite quote? Why?:
My favorite quote is "trust the process" and only because of the dental hygiene program! Never in my life have I had to blindly trust others as much as we do here, and in the end it all makes sense and we are now thriving.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?:
In the little spare time I find during school, I love doing all things with my family. Some of our favorite things have been camping, family bike rides, and many hours of board games.
Tell us about an obstacle you overcame.:
An obstacle I have had to overcome has honestly been being the best mom and wife I can while also maintaining my standards in an intensive program. There are so many morals and expectations I try to uphold for myself, and being a perfectionist in all things was just not possible. I always strived to ensure my family didn't miss their quality time with me which pushed schoolwork to the late hours of the night. I wouldn't change a thing I did in school, but I do wish I would have finished earlier in life so that I didn't have to sacrifice sleep for studying.
What is your secret to college success?:
The secret to my college success has been to take it one day at a time, but be organized for the semester. At the beginning of every semester I made sure to make a spreadsheet of all the due dates and important days for every class so that everything was consolidated in one place.
What has been your happiest/proudest moment?:
My happiest and proudest moments are when I have patients cry in my chair because of the care I have provided them. It is truly humbling knowing I am finally able to do what me as a child set out to do, changing lives by my work.
What was the best advice you were ever given by a professor, staff, or classmate while here at 彩神vlll争霸?:
The best advice that I received from the entire dental hygiene staff was to remember that my family will always be the most important thing. There were many times throughout the past two years that I would stress because school life and family life would conflict, and the advice to always put my family first always relieved any anxiety. My academic integrity and standards never faltered, but remembering my reasons for always kept me going when things got hard.
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