I didn’t grow up with regular dental visits. I grew up watching my loved ones endure pain with no access to care—pulling their own teeth, masking discomfort with painkillers, or simply suffering in silence. That reality shaped me. It made dental hygiene more than a career path—it made it my purpose.
Coming from a large family in a low-income neighborhood, I learned early what it meant to go without. Oral health was considered a luxury, not a necessity. I wanted to change that, not just for myself, but for people like my siblings, neighbors, and community members who deserved to smile without pain or embarrassment. That’s what first inspired me to pursue a career in dentistry, and it’s what continues to drive me as I work toward becoming a licensed dental hygienist.
After earning my EFDA certification, I spent six years working in general, pediatric, and surgical dentistry. I saw firsthand how preventable conditions often turned into emergencies—and how a little education and compassion could make a huge difference. Volunteering at events like the Mom-n-PA free dental clinic reaffirmed my passion. People camp out overnight just to be seen. Those are the people I want to serve—not just with instruments and x-rays, but with time, dignity, and trust.
Now, I’m in dental hygiene school full-time, while working two jobs, paying rent, covering utilities, managing credit card debt, and trying to stay financially afloat. I’ve used my tax refund for tuition, and I rely on food stamps to eat. And still—I show up every day focused, prepared, and determined to finish strong. My grades reflect my commitment. My work ethic proves my why.
This scholarship wouldn’t just lighten my financial burden—it would multiply my capacity to give. It would allow me to continue my clinical training without constant fear of falling behind. And it would bring me one step closer to my dream: becoming a travel temp hygienist and eventually opening a staffing agency to help other professionals like me find balance, opportunity, and purpose in this field.
Dental hygiene saved me. It gave me a future I didn’t know I could have. With your support, I’ll keep pushing forward—and I’ll make sure I bring others with me.
The moment I realized I wanted to pursue a career in dental hygiene came unexpectedly, but it has stuck with me ever since. My mom had struggled with recurrent periodontitis for years, and I watched as she endured both the physical discomfort and emotional toll it took on her. She did not understand the severity of her condition for years until she switched dental offices, and a dental hygienist took the time to educate my mom on the severity and extent of her periodontitis and perform nonsurgical periodontal therapy that not only improved her periodontal health but also gave her a renewed sense of control over her health. Witnessing this physical and emotional transformation was the moment I understood the true power of dental hygiene. It was not just about cleaning teeth, as many believe, but empowering patients to improve their lives and understand the connection between oral and overall health. That experience ignited my passion for this field and shaped my decision to pursue dental hygiene as a career.
Before that experience, I had always appreciated healthcare, but I had not fully realized the profound impact that dental hygiene could have on a person’s life. The hygienist’s careful treatment and clear, compassionate education showed me that dental care goes far beyond procedures—it builds trust, creates meaningful patient relationships, and offers guidance that leads to long-term health. I want to provide this kind of care, a mix of technical skills, educational knowledge, and genuine empathy.
Since that moment, I have immersed myself in my studies and clinical training, driven by the desire to give patients the best quality of care and understanding like the one my mom received. I am fascinated by the complexities of periodontal disease and the way oral health impacts overall well-being. Every course, from anatomy to patient management, excites me and strengthens my commitment to this field. I am eager to continue developing my skills, particularly in preventive care and patient education, to help individuals maintain their health and confidence.
Financial preparedness is critical to achieving my educational and professional goals. The costs of tuition, textbooks, and clinical materials have been overwhelming, and this scholarship would significantly ease that burden. It would allow me to focus on my studies and gain valuable experience without worrying about financial strain. Additionally, the scholarship would allow me to pay for national board reviews and contribute to my clinical and written board exams—experiences that will help me grow and are imperative for a prompt graduation.
Ultimately, I hope to work in underserved communities, providing access to quality dental care and empowering patients to take control of their oral health. This scholarship would support my journey toward becoming a dental hygienist who provides preventive and therapeutic services, educates, supports, and inspires patients to make long-lasting health improvements.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Arianna Fernandez
Dental Hygiene Student
What drew me to the dental field was my time spent volunteering with an organization called YWAM Medical Ships. This nonprofit organization delivers free healthcare to individuals living in remote villages of Papua New Guinea (PNG). What was initially intended to be a six-month volunteer commitment turned into a life-changing three-year volunteer experience where I was eventually given the opportunity to lead and manage the dental clinics for the final year of my involvement. As the Dental Clinic Manager, my responsibilities included managing all aspects of the dental clinic on the ship and in the villages – from administration, yearly procurement of dental consumables, educating patients and school aged children on the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene, and leading teams of dental professionals from across the globe. While such responsibilities were challenging, they also afforded me many unique opportunities to work closely with the people of PNG, growing my passion for leadership and community development. As dental care is extremely limited in PNG, many live with the physical pain of a toothache as the norm. Any time and skills I can provide to help even one person be relieved from tooth pain is worth it.
My long-term goal is to volunteer with local non-profit organizations as a dental hygienist to provide free services to individuals who cannot afford them. My greatest goal is to provide these services on an international level in developing nations. Prior to starting Dental Hygiene School I had volunteered with Impact Portland and Medical Teams International and would love to volunteer with them as a Hygienist. Over the years, I have volunteered locally in my hometown serving holiday meals and giving out school supplies to low-income families. I had the opportunity to volunteer in both Nicaragua and in Mexico working in the orphanages and building houses for those in need. My life passion is to serve people in need, I get this desire from my dad who taught me to give my time and skills. Volunteering with YWAM Medical Ships has given me a passion for the dental field and has shown me that I want to become a dental hygienist to help those in remote villages of developing nations and for those who are in America in my own neighborhood. I believe that preventative medicine and oral health education can save many from oral health problems, pain, and disease.
Gaining a college education is very expensive, especially attending a dental hygiene school. In order to afford my schooling I spend my summers working, apply for any scholarship I am eligible to apply for, and plan to take out student loans to cover any remaining amount. Receiving this scholarship will help me two fold; it will allow me to focus my time on my studies rather than worrying about how I will pay for the term and it will allow me to graduate with little debt enabling me to go serve as a volunteer sooner. Thank you for your consideration.
