The PDS Foundation awarded over $80,000 to a total of 17 dental assisting students from across the country.
IRVINE, CALIF. March 16, 2022 – The Pacific Dental Services® (PDS) Foundation is proud to announce the Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship recipients for Spring 2022. On Friday, March 11 (and coinciding with this year’s Dental Assistants Recognition Week), the PDS Foundation awarded over $80,000 to a total of 17 dental assisting (DA) students from across the country who are pursuing their academic dreams and representing the future of the dental industry.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of DAs is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030. However, financial hardship often prevents many students from finishing school. Recognizing the importance of DAs to the future of dentistry, the PDS Foundation created this scholarship to provide students with the financial support they need to complete their education. Named after Carolyn Ghazal, DDS, a member of the PDS Foundation Board of Directors, this educational scholarship provides DA students with need-based financial aid, mentorship, on-the-job training, and aims to mold the next generation of passionate, servant-hearted dental leaders.
“I am so honored to have my name associated with such a worthwhile endeavor that is investing in the lives, education and futures of DA students throughout the nation,” said Dr. Ghazal. “My hope is that this financial support can help remove a barrier for students, and the mentorship they receive through the program will allow them the opportunity to pursue a noble career in dental assisting.”
Spring 2022 Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship Recipients:
Student | Academic Institution | City, State |
Felix Cabreja Adorno | Concorde Career College | Tampa, Fla. |
Sha-naesha Brewton | UEI College | Morrow, Ga. |
Lyeisha Briggs | Florida Career College | Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. |
Alexis Casarez | Carrington College | Portland, Ore. |
Elaine Cervantez | Concorde Career College | San Diego, Calif. |
Sarah Chee | Carrington College | Las Vegas, Nev. |
Jessica Forsee | Delta College | Slidell, La. |
Moriah Hernandez | High Desert Medical College | Bakersfield, Calif. |
Celine Heywood | Atlantic Technical College | Coconut Creek, Fla. |
Quiniya Lake | Concorde Career College | Memphis, Tenn. |
Lucy McMath | Practical Dental Assisting | Virginia Beach, Va. |
Montserrat Merino-Gongora | Concorde Career College | Portland, Ore. |
Luis Padilla | PIMA Medical Institute | Seattle, Wash. |
Sydney Remington-Belle | Practical Dental Assisting | Virginia Beach, Va. |
Hailee Roberts | Concorde Career College | Aurora, Colo. |
Monica Sesma | Carrington College | Phoenix, Ariz. |
Nicole Simon | Concorde Career College | North Hollywood, Calif. |
Scholarships are awarded on a quarterly basis to DA students to help cover tuition expenses. The Scholarship Review Committee awards scholarships based on applicants' financial need, heart for service, career aspirations, and other criteria.
“The PDS Foundation is thrilled to support these 17 impressive scholarship recipients. These individuals are dedicated and passionate students who are truly inspired to make a difference in the dental assisting profession,” said Kyle Guerin, PDS Foundation Director.
The Pacific Dental Services Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to improve overall health by creating opportunities to serve locally, nationally, and internationally. Since the scholarship’s founding in 2016, the PDS Foundation has granted more than $1 million to DAs in pursuit of advancing their careers within the dental industry.
Click here to learn more about the PDS Foundation and make a tax-deductible gift today.
