Today we’d like to introduce you to Hillaree Barham
Hi Hillaree, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Being a Dental Assistant was not necessarily my childhood “dream”. I knew I wanted to be a part of something where I could help people and walk with them on their journies but I knew the hospital setting was not for me. Initially, I landed on becoming a Dental Hygienist. I went to multiple offices right out of college in hopes of observing the hygienist to see if it was a good fit for me. I landed at an office to observe and on my very first day the current RDA at that office quit and they were left with no one but me. I didn’t even know how to properly sit in an assistant’s chair or hold a suction but I took on the challenge because they needed me. The Dr. at the office was very patient and kind and asked if he could teach me how to be a dental assistant so I could help out. I decided to take him up on the offer as well as get the necessary training and certification at PDA Dental Assisting Academy at UNT. Dentistry was a whole new world for me but within a few weeks, I had a job and was in a school for Dental Assisting. At the time I still felt like I would eventually get back to my original plan of becoming a Dental Hygienist, but it didn’t take long for me to completely fall in love with the art of dental assisting. I loved everything about it. From the teamwork aspect to getting to walk with patients on the dental journeys and everything in between. A year after obtaining my license I found myself at Legacy Dentistry with Dr. Nguyen. Dr. Nguyen is not only an amazing Dentist but he is truly an incredible person. He took me under his wing and took me to a whole new level of Dental assisting. In the 4 years working at Legacy Dentistry I had the opportunity to train many aspiring and young dental assistants and in all of the training, I found something else I loved about my career. In 2023 Dr. Nguyen began the journey of offering Ocean Pointe Dental Assisting Academy to those around the Midlothian area. In January 2024 he asked me to partner with him and join him on this mission. Our mission from the beginning was to not only offer advanced dental training and skills but also train young dental assistants with 4 main core values;
Integrity – serving the patient first
Excellence – doing our best in any circumstance
Professionalism – be an example of confidence and competency
Compassionate education – encouraging engagement with enthusiasm and support
We wanted to offer a unique and personalized school that strives to teach the skills necessary to be an extraordinary dental assistant, co-worker, and overall person, We want to build our students up and offer that guidance and support that will last well beyond our 10-week program. We have had two classes so far this year and we can proudly say we have had a 100% passing rate as well as 100% of our students getting offered jobs right out of school. We look forward to continue serving those around us and investing in aspiring Dental Assistants.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The challenges mainly come from a new business reaching the intended audience. Still learning the best ways to market.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Working as a Dental Assistant has been a true gift. I value every aspect of my career but my patients are my greatest gift. Dentistry in general can have a bad “rep”. There are plenty of grown adults out there who refuse to see their dentist due to having a bad dental experience as a child. That is why I love working at Legacy Dentistry so much because our office goes above and beyond for every patient to ensure they have a comfortable and overall great experience. As a dental assistant, I truly value the power I have to give my patients a great experience. To show kindness and love in all I do and make sure they are comfortable and heard is very important to me. I have sat with, cried with, and held many anxious hands but with all of those tough moments for patients, I enjoy watching them overcome those past experiences and eventually walk through our doors happy to be there. Along with my more anxious patients, some of my favorite procedures to assist with are “full mouth restorations” which essentially gives a patient a new smile. These procedures are typically over the course of months or even years. I love getting to hear their stories and learn their “whys”. Watching their confidence grow and see how their lives change from investing in themselves and their smile. It is a true gift to be able to walk with someone on that life-changing journey.
What matters most to you? Why?
With the great honor of being apart of Ocean Pointe what matters most to me is teaching these up-and-coming dental assistants the true value in their position as a dental assistant. Being a Dental Assistant is so much more than most people think. It is our job to be prepared and keep the office running smoothly. We are with our patients through every step of the procedure or journey as well as being two steps ahead of our Drs so they can remain productive. I want my students to work at an office that values what they can contribute. To work with co-workers and Drs who hold the same values. It matters to me that they are in a work environment that brings the best out of them and allows them to love their career just as much as I do.
Pricing:
- Total tutiton $4,275
- Payment plans and financing options
- Included: Scrubs, books, state testing fees, supplies, CPR/AED certification
- How it works: 10 week program that caters to those currently working full time jobs. The first 4 weeks are strictly online modules that consisit of PowerPoints, quizzes and tests. The final 6 weeks will be in person Saturday only classes at Legacy Dentistry from 9-5
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oceanpointemidlothian.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oceanpointemidlo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557314875918
Image Credits
Jaffy Media
