My passion for dental hygiene has been shaped by more than a decade of hands-on experience, community service, and a strong foundation in science and research. Over the past 10 years, I have been actively involved in the dental field, where I discovered that oral health is not only about clinical care but also about education, prevention, and advocacy. Through volunteer work with Texas Mission of Mercy, Give Kids A Smile, and Dental Veterans Smile Day, I witnessed firsthand the barriers many individuals face in accessing dental care. These experiences strengthened my commitment to serving underserved communities. As a lead dental assistant at Shifa Community Clinic, I have provided quality care while developing leadership skills and a deeper understanding of patient-centered treatment. Dental hygiene stands out to me because it allows for direct patient care and the opportunity to build meaningful, lasting relationships. As a future dental hygienist, I will not only perform preventive and therapeutic procedures but also guide individuals toward healthier smiles through education, trust, and consistency. By teaching proper oral hygiene practices and emphasizing prevention, I can empower patients to take control of their health. A healthy smile is not just aesthetic—it plays a critical role in overall well-being, as oral health is closely linked to systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Being able to positively impact a patient’s total health through everyday care is what drives my passion for this profession. My academic journey reflects my dedication to excellence and lifelong learning. I currently maintain a 3.7 GPA in dental hygiene school while balancing rigorous coursework and clinical responsibilities. Additionally, I contributed to a published research study titled Retinal and Optic Nerve Degeneration in Liver X Receptor β Knockout Mice, which strengthened my understanding of the connection between science and healthcare and reinforced the importance of evidence-based practice. Beyond clinical care, I have also advocated for the dental profession by traveling to Austin, Texas, alongside dental professionals to support policies that improve access to oral healthcare. I plan to remain active in community outreach and advocacy efforts throughout my career. Financial preparedness is essential to achieving my goals. The demands of dental hygiene school limit my ability to work, creating financial challenges. Receiving this scholarship would ease that burden, allowing me to focus on my education and continue serving my community. My goal is to become a dental hygienist who not only provides exceptional care but also empowers patients to improve their overall health—one smile at a time.

I was a Team leader in my Dental Organization ASDA. We work as a team not only to provide resources to our members through volunteering and shadowing experiences, but also to instill the human aspect of oral care: that their patients' health is being cared for. I grew up in a low-income neighborhood with limited educational and economic opportunities. My parents survived the Cambodian genocide that happened in the 70’s, lived in refugee camps, and started a new life in America with only the clothes on their backs. I was taught from a young age that hard work is the key to success, but through this lens and my challenges, I developed a space to hear other stories. I volunteer at Shifa Community Clinic as a lead dental assistant on weekends to provide for the underserved population, and have attended legislation day with a doctor advocating in Austin, TX to advocate for the dental field. Once I graduate from hygiene school, I plan to return to my community clinic to educate patients and provide high-quality cleaning to improve their quality of life. I plan to advocate for my dental field to expand access to growth opportunities that will not only benefit me but also my peers, thereby improving patient care.

1) I am a person who has a heart to serve others. I didn't grow up with a silver spoon in my ) mouth, so I faced a lot of adversity and limited access to quality health care. My upbringing inspired me to make a difference in my community by donating my time and providing dental-quality care to underserved areas. Attending a plethora of community services, such as Texas Mission of Mercy, Give Kids a Smile, Dentistry from the Heart, and Dental Veteran Smile Day, not only allowed me to make a direct impact on those in need but also nourished my desire to serve others. 2) I value many things, but one value that sticks out is empathy. My parents survived the Cambodian genocide that happened in the 70’s, lived in refugee camps, and started a new life in America with only the clothes on their backs. I was taught from a young age that hard work is the key to success, but through this lens and my challenges, I developed a space to hear other stories. I reminisce about a volunteer experience at Shifa Community Clinic as a dental assistant that sticks with me to this day. I greeted a new patient, welcomed him into the x-ray room, and asked for the reason for his visit. He informed me of an infected tooth that has been causing him severe pain for the last several weeks. I comforted him, knowing his quality of life had been negatively impacted by this issue, and assured him, “We’ll do the best we can to take care of you.” As I was prepping for his X-rays, he said, “Mark, thank you” with tears in his eyes. I stood there and took in that moment, opening my ears and heart to his struggle to find a job and feeling overwhelmed by the pain he was experiencing. He had been living with tooth pain, paying for multiple dental office visits to find the best combination of treatment and cost, but could not afford any of the treatment plans presented to him. This was a heartfelt moment that stayed with me. I comforted him and allowed him the space to be vulnerable and let his feelings out while validating his struggles and pain for so long. We transitioned the patient to the operating room. We took his vitals, went over his medical history, and had the dentist analyze the X-rays. The dentist expressed hope, saying, “I’ll be able to extract this tooth today.” We quickly set up treatment and successfully removed the infected tooth. Tears came from his eyes once again, and he thanked the whole staff as he made his exit. We were able to treat him with compassion and the dignity he deserved. Everyone has their own story and challenges. Providing a space to acknowledge someone's emotions and experiences is something I value. Many people have reasons for not visiting a dental office, whether that’s financial barriers, limited access to appropriate dental care, fear, or a lack of trust. Intentionally amplifying their experience, providing reassurance about their care, building rapport, and delivering quality care are things I look forward to. Being able to imbue the values I carry, shaped by the experiences I’ve had, will allow me to continue helping patients improve their oral health and quality of life.