At Ross Medical Education Center, we pride ourselves in our efforts to offer great opportunities to our students. With that goal in mind, we hire instructors that are experienced in their fields and passionate about bringing that experience into the classroom. Many of our instructors are working as healthcare professionals in the field on top of their responsibilities in the classroom. Due to this, they are able to stay current on changes and updates in their field all while offering a wealth of up to date knowledge to their students.
Recently we interviewed Jodi Smith, an instructor for the Dental Assistant program for the Ross campus in Cincinnati, Ohio about her experience at Ross:
How long have you been at Ross as an instructor?
I have been at Ross for two years.
How did you get your start in teaching and why is it important to you?
I love dental assisting and educating the patients. I had several patients recommend that I should teach. I love giving back and sharing my passion.
What’s your favorite thing about being an instructor at Ross?
When it really, truly “clicks” with a student; they understand what is being discussed and they can’t wait to share it. I love listening to their stories when they are explaining what they learned.
What piece of advice to you try to convey to all of your students to help them succeed?
Be confident in yourself. You have the knowledge to be great. Be professional in every aspect of your life.
What are you passionate about personally?
I enjoy helping people and giving back. You never know what someone is going through and how you can impact their life. Also, my family is number one.
Who inspires you to be great?
My mother. She was an amazing woman, and she worked hard for everything she had. She had such a genuine love for everyone. I hope one day I can be half the woman she was.
Share a positive memory about your experiences at Ross that stands out to you. Why is that memory special to you?
I attended my first Ross graduation this year. It was so special seeing former students and how proud their families were.
When did you first become a Dental Assistant? What inspired you to pursue this career?
I have been a dental assistant for almost six years. I decided to become a dental assistant because I wanted a career in healthcare, but I didn’t want to give shots to anyone!
What is something most people don’t know about working as a Dental Assistant?
You are a part time counselor. So many people are afraid to go to the dentist. It’s the assistant’s job to find out why and to do what you can to ease their mind.
What advice would you give to a student who is looking to become a Dental Assistant, but hasn’t quite made up their mind yet?
If you are a people person, you can do this. Don’t give up on your future. The dental field is always changing, there are multiple jobs in an office that a dental assistant can do, and you can easily continue your education.
What is the most rewarding part of dental assisting?
Seeing the final outcome. When an adult or child comes into the office and they are visibly ashamed of their smile but by the time the treatment is complete they smile from ear to ear. It is so rewarding.
We asked a couple of staff members and a student about their experience with Ms. Smith. Here is what they had to say:
“I have had the pleasure of working with Jodi for two years and I admire and Appreciate her dedication to her students and their success. Jodi demonstrates the highest level of professionalism and is an excellent role model for her students. Jodi’s choice to work in a public high school system only confirms this dedication and caring nature she has to improving dental health and educating both her students and her patients.”
Robin Re, Campus Director
“What I admire most about our instructor, Jodi, is her dedication to the dental field. The fact that jodi has chosen to work for the school system, specifically in a high school, speaks even more volumes in terms of how she feels about education. Jodi chooses to give back, as she mentions to be one of her passions in the the dental field, which also explains why she provides dental assisting to the public school system and in addition, brings her expertise to the classroom as Ross Cincinnati Campus.”
Shelly Greenway, Career Development Representative
“In the months that I have attended the Dental Assisting program at Ross Cincinnati campus, Miss Smith has gone above and beyond for her students. Working full time for the city of Cincinnati and also teaching the evening class here at Ross while still maintaining compassion for teaching speaks volumes about her character. Hearing her examples and her own experiences has really helped me to better understand my studies. I will definitely use the knowledge she has given me in the future.”
Sharanda Weber, Dental Assistant Student