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Every day after fourth period, Lauren Rodland leaves school to work at Blair Endodontics and Microsurgery in Lakemont. At the endodontics office, she has tasks like assisting the doctor, prepping rooms, and scheduling patients. 

Lauren’s interests in the dental field derived from her mother, who also works in dentistry.

“I took the CTC tour of the Dental Assisting class for her to see what it looks like, and I ended up really liking it,” Lauren said. “I continue to find it intriguing with every new thing I learn.”

After she completed the Dental Assisting class at CTC, Rodland had the opportunity to interview for her current position at Blair Endodontics and Microsurgery. She mentioned that if doctors are looking for co-op students to work, “…[the doctors] often reach out to the school, ask if anyone is interested, and set up an interview.” 

What Lauren’s learned in her CTC classes “helps tremendously.” Specifically, small tools, such as how to position the suction instrument, to big things, like gaining the necessary experience needed for success.

When speaking on her knowledge from her education, she quoted, “It goes a long way. I feel like I’m always learning something.”

The dental field has its highs and lows for Lauren. The job can be tough if there is an infection in a tooth, which causes a “really bad” odor. On the bright side, Lauren loves the interactions with the patients.

She noted, “Every patient is different, and you never know what you’re going to get.”

Lauren aspires to go to Penn Tech for Dental Hygiene, following graduation this spring.