Helping others through health care inspired Bethany Vang to pursue a dental hygiene career.

“I want to provide personalized care for my patients and to help make their smiles something they are not afraid to show off,” she said. “The oral cavity also plays an important role in full body health, and I want to educate my patients and the public about that relationship.”

In researching what schools she could attend, Vang discovered that College of DuPage’s Dental Hygiene program was well-regarded in the dental hygiene community. The location close to home made the choice an easy one.

What she found was a program that allowed her to meet a variety of different people from all walks of life.

“COD provided me with an environment that is encouraging, allowed for my growth academically and helped me build lifelong friendships,” she said. “Through my clinical rotations on campus, I was coached by my wonderful faculty, who took their time to educate me on proper techniques and skills that I am utilizing in my career.”

Helping Vang with tuition was the Michael and Sandra Meyers Scholarship awarded through the COD Foundation.

“I could pursue my dreams without the pressure of payments, and it lifted a burden off my shoulders, considering that I could not work due to the program being extremely competitive and intense,” she said.

Having earned her Associate in Applied Science degree in dental hygiene, she now applies her skills as a registered dental hygienist. She also is completing COD’s 3+1 program with Concordia University to receive a bachelor’s degree in health care management. Armed with both degrees, she will dedicate herself to meeting the needs of her patients.

“I want to not only provide the best oral health care but also listen and advocate for my patients’ well-being. In the long term, my goal is to travel to countries and underserved areas and provide free dental services to residents who do not have access to oral care.” 

Vang has never regretted her decision to attend COD.

“College of DuPage is an amazing environment filled with faculty who want what’s best for you and who are cheering you on,” she said. “The Dental Hygiene program has been the roughest but also the best two years of my life. Even when I was struggling, my teachers were there to coach me through my confusion. The program has also given me the confidence, knowledge and skill set required to be a competent hygienist, and I have no doubt that I will do well. I encourage anyone to pursue dental hygiene, a field that is always growing but is so fulfilling and enriching.”

Learn more about the Dental Hygiene program at College of DuPage