Kristen Valenzuela, a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene candidate at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, is driven by a passion for teaching others about oral health. In a recent article by The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Kristen shared a heartwarming story about convincing her reluctant grandfather, a Vietnam War veteran, to seek dental care.
“I think their generation was fearful of the dentist... This wasn’t as bad as I thought. It was a rewarding experience for me,” Kristen expressed about her grandfather's visit to Give Vets a Smile.
Kristen's dedication to educating others extends beyond her family, as she actively gives oral health care presentations and speaks at career days to inspire children to consider careers in dentistry. She believes in providing positive experiences early on to encourage individuals to prioritize dental care.
“For many, it’s their first exposure to oral health care... I’m able to implement these great experiences that will make them want to seek dental care,” Kristen stated, highlighting the importance of early education in oral health.
Victoria Patrounova, the director of the Dental Hygiene Program, praised Kristen's character, describing her as a "self-directed, compassionate, and hardworking individual." Kristen's commitment to service was further recognized through multiple scholarship awards, including the ADEA/Crest Oral-B Scholarship for Dental Hygiene Students Pursuing Academic Careers and the ADEA/Sigma Phi Alpha Linda DeVore Scholarship.
Reflecting on her journey, Kristen emphasized how her family continues to inspire her as she pursues her master's degree. She shared the joy of seeing her grandfather benefit from improved dental care, saying, “My grandpa can eat foods now that he couldn’t before. He smiles in pictures. It’s been amazing to see.”
Kristen's passion for teaching and her dedication to providing compassionate care exemplify her commitment to making a positive impact in the field of dental hygiene. Her story serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and the importance of oral health awareness in communities.
