MCC Alumna Named to Mass. American Dental Hygienists Association

“Dreams do come true if you never give up, no matter the circumstances,” said Arlin Estevez, a recent graduate from Middlesex Community College. “You can always get there with success.”

From the Dominican Republic and now living in Lawrence, Estevez studied Dental Hygiene during her time at MCC. She felt drawn to the field because of her desire to provide preventative care for oral health, as well as her love for connecting with others.

“I was always interested in dentistry,” she said. “It is always important to communicate and give advice on your oral health to maintain healthy teeth.”

Going into the Dental Hygiene program, Estevez knew Middlesex held high standards for its students. She felt up to the challenge and wanted to show she could succeed. Not only did she graduate in May 2021 and start working as a full-time hygienist at Lowell Family Dental Practice, but she was also awarded with MCC’s Prudence Drake Scholarship.

The scholarship supports students pursuing certificate and degrees leading to careers in the Health field. Thankful for the award, Estevez plans to use the funding to go toward continuing her education and improve her professional skills.

“I will take advantage of this award and use it productively,” she said. “I appreciate your support for my education, which is my main priority for my future.”

In September 2021, Estevez was named the new Assistant Secretary to the Massachusetts Chapter of American Dental Hygienists Association (MDHA). Joining her on the MDHA team are alumnas Sarah Crow as President, Katherine Do as Secretary, Gina Cataldo as Committee Chairperson to the Public Relations Council, and MCC employee Nancy Browning as the Committee Chair for the Council of Administration.

The MDHA also rewarded Estevez with a trip to the Dental Hygienist Annual Session in Arizona. During the five-day trip, she networked with hygienists across the country, took classes, and looked at products from participating vendors.

Part of what makes MCC’s Dental Hygiene program so competitive are the clinical experiences that provide students with hands-on practice. While working with a certified dental hygienist, students see patients and provide services such as cleanings, radiographs, sealants and mouth guards. Because of these opportunities, Estevez felt prepared to enter the field after graduating.

“MCC has helped me a lot,” she said. “I’m glad I could have my college experience with such nice people and staff. The Dental Hygiene program was a great environment.”

In her classes, Estevez appreciated the support she got from her professors, such as Dental Hygiene faculty member Julie Breen and Associate Professor of English Kerrianne Gamache. While Breen brought energy into the classroom, Estevez felt inspired by Gamache.

As part of MCC’s “great” TRIO program, Estevez also got help with financial aid, homework and meeting people around the campus community. She was also a member of MCC’s honor society Phi Theta Kappa and tutored other students as an English Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader.

As she continues on with her career in dental hygiene, Estevez is looking forward to the possibility of continuing her education to study Public Health and earn a bachelor’s degree. Middlesex provided her with her start.

“My overall experience was great,” she said. “I loved the college in general and met lots of people from other countries as well as from my own country.”

Part of the Health pathway at MCC, the Dental Hygiene program helps students go into – and succeed in – the workforce or transfer to four-year schools with its award-winning and affordable offerings, small class sizes and flexible schedules. For more information, visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/discover/dyp_health.aspx to discover your path to a career in Dental Hygiene at Middlesex.

If you have ever taken a class at MCC, you are an alum! To share your story – and join the free Alumni Association – contact Amy Lee, Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Relations, at 978-656-3028 or leea@middlesex.mass.edu. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/alumni for more information.

To register for MCC’s Fall Mini-mester session II, starting on Monday, November 1, visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434 to register.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC has been a proven leader in online education for more than 20 years. We educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners, offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!