Achieving a Dream: Daniel’s Story

Gentle Exams & Cleanings to Cosmetic, Restorative & Implant Dentistry The Quality and Service Your Family Deserves from Our Family TUESDAY - THURSDAY: 8:00AM-5:30PM TOD C. ANDERSON, DDS FRIDAY: 8:00AM-3:00PM 9520 SOQUEL DRIVE SATURDAY: BY APPOINTMENTS ONLY APTOS, CA 95003 www.riodelmardental.com 831-688-1006

EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO SHAPE THEIR FUTURES WITH CONFIDENCE. COMMUNITY NEWS Achieving a Dream: Daniel’s Story

As tough as this year has been, Dientes Community Dental Care celebrated Dec. 7, welcoming Daniel Uriostegui, once a patient – now a registered dental hygienist.

His journey to becoming a hygienist began at age 10, with his first visit to Dientes.

“I was nervous but remember being so impressed at how friendly everyone was and how they took their time to explain everything to me,” he recalled. “I knew, then, that I wanted to do something in the dental field.”

After graduating from Harbor High, Uriostegui ultimately went through Monterey Peninsula College’s one-year dental assisting program. There he learned about opportunities at Dientes, interning there until he graduated from Monterey Peninsula College in 2016. This enabled him to get his first job at Dientes as a part-time, temporary dental assistant.

Dientes Chief Dental Officer Dr. Sepi Taghvaei said, “Daniel’s determination helped him work his way up from an intern to a registered dental assistant and now to hygienist.”

Committed to his goal, Uriostegui took the extra steps to work at Dientes as an on-call dental assistant while going through the nearly three-year, full-time Cabrillo Dental Hygiene program. Excited about his first day as a hygienist, Uriostegui advises others, “If you are willing to sacrifice and work hard, there are amazing things you can accomplish. I even met my fiancée at Dientes! I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity to grow.”

Yari Alvarado, Watsonville clinic manager who has worked 16 years at Dientes, said, “I remember Daniel coming into the clinic as a patient, so young … and look at him now! We are so proud!” n •••

Dientes provides comprehensive, affordable dental care for 10,000 low-income patients a year. Dientes accept interns in many roles; for internship and career opportunities, go to www.dientes.org/jobs.

Kirby School is an independent college preparatory day school in Santa Cruz for grades 6-12.

Join us at an upcoming virtual Admissions event to learn more about our exceptional college prep program and online-only option for high school.