Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Ruesewald
Hi Grace, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story:
As I begin my story, I want to share a gentle reminder: your past does not determine your future. Each day is a new opportunity to grow, change, and create the life you desire.
I was born into an already very broken home where my mom committed suicide when I was 10 years old. I then grew up in a house full of foster kids, where my stepmom and dad struggled to hold our household together by the thinnest of threads. I have three siblings: an identical twin sister, a little brother, and a little sister. My little brother and sister’s dad had custody of my twin and me, and he married our stepmom. They also took in more foster kids, whom I grew to love and consider as part of our family. We were very poor, and all of us had come from tough backgrounds. When I was 16, after our stepmom and dad ended their marriage, I was adopted by my grandparents.
This adoption was the best thing that ever happened to me—coming into the home of two loving, caring, and supportive parents. It set the stage for how I would view life and led me to where I am today. My grandfather, Jerry Crowder, was a constable in Tarrant County and had been the chief of police before that. He also served in the Air Force. My grandmother, Janet Crowder, was a police officer in Tarrant County, serving for over 20 years.
Transitioning from a home with a lot of kids and not much food to a place where I could sleep soundly, knowing there would be groceries and clothes, was life-changing. For the first time, I was in a healthy environment, given the tools to succeed. Beyond the overwhelming love and support, I found faith. I gave my life to Christ and had two youth pastors, Steve Pulley and Patrick Kelley, who were crucial mentors. Steve counsels young adults and continues to guide them, while Patrick is a high school science professor and active in his church’s youth group. Their mentorship was vital in shaping my faith and changing the course of my life.
I know I’m a cycle breaker. I chose to live outside the dysfunction I grew up in, and it’s a choice I make every day. Now, as a mom of two girls, I’m determined to provide them with a life and upbringing completely different from my own. My husband, who holds a master’s degree and is very successful in his career, is an amazing and supportive partner.
I went to collage to become a teacher but ended up working in the dental field. I always knew I had a servant’s heart and a passion for helping others. After 11 years in dentistry, I realized I could combine my love for teaching with my dental knowledge. I understood doctors’ expectations, how to manage a busy schedule, and the fast pace of running a practice. My hospitality and understanding of patient care led me to start my own business. I created my own teaching and training program because I recognized that many dental assistant schools weren’t adequately preparing students. Some programs even offered only online courses without any hands-on office training.
I listened to the needs of different doctors and saw that many programs weren’t setting students up for success. I wanted my program to be different. My goal is to help someone start a new career in dentistry, not just by earning a state license but by gaining the confidence and skills to meet doctors’ expectations. I start with the basics of dental anatomy and gradually move into hands-on office training. My students learn in an actual practice, not just in a classroom or on a computer. By the end of the program, they work with patients, and I’m right there by their side, supporting them until they’re ready to handle everything on their own.
I conduct my curriculum through UT Health San Antonio, a dental school I deeply respect. My students get licensed through the state of Texas, and all testing is conducted by UT Health, for which I thoroughly prepare them.
In this industry, I’ve met many people who, like me, came from difficult backgrounds and just want better lives but can’t afford a major college. That’s okay—being a dental assistant is a great career with many opportunities. The sky’s the limit. I always say you can’t control what you’re born into, but you can control who you become. I pour 100% into every person I teach, getting to know them and genuinely caring about making a difference.
God gave me a strong desire to serve my community, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without amazing mentors and the leadership of three incredible doctors. Dr. Mark Kogut, who ran a successful pediatric practice in Dallas, believed in me, helping me learn and grow. He even paid for some of my courses at Baylor School of Dentistry, now known as A&M School of Dentistry in Dallas. Dr. Gail Glenn, the first female orthodontic office president, has been a kind, genuine, and honest life friend, listening to my training book and offering advice. Then we have Dr. Akosua Boatemma who has overcome significant hardships and still rises above them all—her story inspires me to work hard and pursue my dreams. Lastly, Dr. Adrienne Archidiacono, who runs a pediatric office in Aledo, goes above and beyond for her patients and respects parents’ choices. I work in her practice four days a week and love it.
I wouldn’t be where I am without all these people who have poured into my life, and I am grateful for every single one of them.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Opening any business is always daunting. There will always be people who, no matter how good you are or how much you care, just don’t want you to succeed. But the key is to push forward, remain reliable, and dig deep during the tough times. Believing in yourself is crucial. I know what I bring to the table, both professionally and personally.
The most rewarding part of my career is seeing my students thrive. Last fall, I had a student who worked tirelessly, and now she’s on her way to becoming a Hygienist in Austin. I was able to teach and train her, help her get her state license, and secure the hours she needed to qualify for hygiene school. She always had big goals and dreams, and being a part of her success was incredibly fulfilling.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in dentistry, focusing on hands-on learning and getting my students certified as dental assistants in the state of Texas.
I’m known for providing in-office training that not only prepares them for their state exams but also gives them the practical experience they need to succeed. At the end of the program, I leverage my connections to help them land interviews, and I’m proud to say that all of my students have secured jobs thanks to this comprehensive training. I’m incredibly proud of helping people build careers. Whether it’s guiding someone into a fulfilling job or supporting those who aspire to attend a top dental school by providing the necessary hours of shadowing and learning, it’s deeply rewarding to see how far they’ve come. Seeing my students achieve their goals is what drives me every day.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
You determine you. It’s never to late to change your career. I have some students that work for oral surgeons, to some students who work in pediatrics. I love helping them find the lane of dentistry they want to work In. My program is custom to how each person learns. Some learn very quick and others need more time. My program can be 3-6 months depending on what that person needs. I will never let anyone that’s not ready yet leave my program until they are confident and comfortable to step in an office and work hard.
Pricing:
- $2,500 for 3 months, 3,000 if they need 4 months or more. Those are the only two prices I charge. If they go over 3 months it’s extra $500 until they are ready no matter how long it takes. Most dental assistant programs charge 10,000 or more and they don’t get the one on one help. Or the in office experience or help with a resume and finding a job. I know my program is different and I try to make it affordable. Price gouging doesn’t help anyone.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Grace_Lynn_Ruesewald
- Facebook: RDA Life on Facebook
- Other: Grace Ruesewald on Facebook
Image Credits
Grace Ruesewlad all of these photos are mine. I own the rights
