MDAFAwards09

Michigan Dental Foundation Robert D. Mitus Scholarship Award:
Submitted by: Grace A. Curcuru DDS

The Michigan Dental Foundation proudly presents a recipient of the 2008-2009 Michigan Dental Foundation Mitus Award to Christy Chapman from Macomb Michigan. I had the opportunity to chat with the recipient and would like to shares some of her thoughts and inspirations regarding dentistry:

1. Where is home for you?

My home is in Macomb Michigan. I have lived in Michigan for most of my life. I attend Baker College of Auburn Hills Michigan, and transferred from Macomb Community College where I took some of my general study classes.

2. Why did you want to become a Dental Professional? Who inspired/mentored you along the way? (Include any names)

I wanted to become a Dental Professional after I received dental work as a child. I had quite a few dental problems and started seeing my General Dentist, Orthodontist, Oral Surgeon and Prosthodontist at the age of eleven. Together they came up with a plan for my dental needs and I now have a beautiful smile. The assistants that took care of me inspired me. Once I enrolled in the Dental Assistant program at Baker College the person that really mentored and inspired me to become a CDA/RDA was Kelly Roos. I can also thank Sherri Altman and Sandy Kijorski for being great instructors.

3. What is the best advice you have been given while in the pursuit of your career?

The best advice I was given in the pursuit of my career is to not give up. It didn't matter that I had been in the field for twelve years, to get my credentials and become a licensed dental professional. I am in an elite group of professionals now and am proud of it.

4. What advice can you give to students thinking about pursuing a career in Dentistry?

Advice that I would give students in the pursuit of a career in Dentistry is to be strong and love what you do. Try not to loose the five star customer service approaches along the way when dealing with your patients.

5. What do you enjoy the most about Dentistry?

I enjoy so much about Dentistry. I like the patient interaction and being the Doctors Assistant, as well as the administration aspect and running the front desk.

6. How has winning the Michigan Dental Foundation Scholarship helped you?

Winning the MDA scholarship has helped me cover a part of the cost for tuition and books. It was much needed and I am very thankful.

7. Where do you see yourself in 6 months after graduation?

Six months after graduation I see myself working in a Dental office as a full time employee. I hope to be an office manager or Head Dental Assistant for a quality Dental office.

8. Where do you see yourself in 3/10 years after graduation?

Three to ten years after I graduate I see myself finishing Law School and perhaps combining both Law and Dental into a career.

9. Have you attended any Dental Meetings, local, state or national?

I have attended the MDAA State meeting in Lansing as well as the MDA annual session. I enjoyed the exhibits that vendors put on as well as networking with other Dental Professionals. I enjoyed the guest speaker and her presentation on Dental Forensics.

10. Do you see yourself participating in organized dentistry, serving on a committee on either a national, state or local level? If so which one interests you?

I do see myself participating in organized dentistry or serving on a committee at a national, state, or local level. All of the areas interest me and I feel it would be an honor to serve on any of them.

11. What do you like to do beyond dentistry, hobbies, talents, etc?

I like to spend time with my family in my spare time. I have four brothers and five nephews currently. I am recently engaged and looking forward to getting marred in 2010. I like to Golf and participate in Volleyball for an AAU club.

Thank you for a glimpse into the life of a Michigan Dental Foundation Robert D. Mitus Scholarship recipient. Your hard work and efforts are clearly demonstrated. You will be an asset to the dental profession.

Michigan Dental Foundation Robert D. Mitus Scholarship Award Recipient:
Submitted by: Grace A. Curcuru DDS

The Michigan Dental Foundation proudly presents a recipient of the 2009 Michigan Dental Foundation Robert D. Mitus Scholarship Award, to Elizabeth Noorman a senior dental assisting student at Grand Rapids Community College from Grand Rapids Michigan. I had the opportunity to chat with the recipient and would like to shares some of her thoughts and inspirations regarding dentistry:

Where is home for you?

"I was born and raised in Grand Rapids"

Where do you go to school, which schools have you attended on your journey to becoming a Dental Professional?

"I will graduate from Grand Rapids Community College in June."

Why did you want to become a Dental Professional

“When I was in high school, there was a "career day" where people of all occupations came and we signed up to hear certain ones we were interested in. For some reason, I signed up for dentistry and what I heard made me decide to enroll in the dental assisting program at GRCC.”

Who inspired / mentored you along the way?

"I had a lot of support though out the program. My family and my boyfriend were always there to help me whether that meant going thru flashcards or just being an ear to listen. My teachers Mrs. Julie Bera, Mrs. Jean VerWys and all the rest in the Dental programs at GRCC are great. They are so good at what they do and very encouraging. I interned for Dr. James Lockwood, and being my first in-office experience, I learned an amazing amount about all areas of dentistry. He patiently explained things to me that I didn't know, and helped me gain confidence in myself as a dental assistant."

What do you enjoy the most about Dentistry

"I really enjoy talking with patients, helping them feel relaxed, and sitting chair side doing restorative procedures."

6. Can you share a story about dental school, which made you realize that dentistry was the right profession for you?

"When I did my observation for class, I knew then for sure that I wanted to be a dental assistant. I heard that the program was pretty challenging, so when we had our first test I was nervous. I studied and studied and made a ton of flashcards, and did great on it. I wasn’t so sure I would be able to do well, but that helped me see that if you really work hard, your work will be your best work."

7. How has winning the Michigan Dental Foundation Scholarship helped you?

"Winning the Michigan Dental Foundation scholarship helped me make my last tuition payment. I was quite overwhelmed with the cost of the program and the scholarship was very much needed financially. It was encouraging to see that the hard work was being noticed, and to encourage me to continue working hard. Winning this scholarship was so awesome. It was such an encouragement as I finished up the last part of my year. Financially, it was a huge help and I was so excited to be able to go to Lansing to meet some important people who help make the scholarships available."

8. Where do you see yourself in 6 months after graduation? .

" I wish I knew where I'd be in ten years, or even six months, but what I know now is that I really hope that I will be using what I learned in the past years to the benefit of the practice in which I am working and the profession of dentistry"

9. Have you attended any Dental Meetings, local, state or national? .

"My class went to the Midwinter Dental Meeting in Chicago. That was neat to see all the hundreds and hundreds of new and improved products and companies. Also, I attended part of the opening session of the Michigan Dental Association’s meeting when I went to Lansing in April. I am a student member of the Grand Rapids Dental Assistants Association, so in the future I hope to attend some of those meetings too.

I have learned a little bit about organized dentistry and the different committees nationally and locally, and they interest me. I am a student member of the American Dental Assistants Association and I am excited about attending a meeting here in Grand Rapids."

Do you see yourself participating in organized dentistry, serving on a committee on either a national, state or local level? If so which one interests you?

"Yes I do. I will probably start out at local level, especially while still in school."

11. What do you like to do beyond dentistry, hobbies, talents, etc?

" Beyond dentistry things I like to do for fun include going to Lake Michigan, camping with my family, making crafty things, running, rollerblading, baking, reading and seeing my friends from high school."

The Michigan Dental Foundation awards scholarships annually to dental, dental hygiene and dental assisting students. We believe that the people of Michigan deserve exceptional oral health professionals. All scholarships are given to Michigan residents attending Michigan universities and colleges. The Michigan Dental Foundation is devoted to becoming the philanthropic leader of the oral health community in order to fund student scholarships, provide oral health initiatives and access to care.

Smiling Future Start Here!