Erica Jackson is a Dental Assistant Instructor who brings passion, dedication, and real-world experience to every class she teaches. Working full-time in a dental office while guiding students through the Dental Assistant program at Ross, Erica creates a supportive and empowering environment where students can thrive. A recent GEM award winner, she is known for her relaxed teaching style, her hands-on mentorship, and her commitment to helping students build both technical and professional skills. We sat down with Erica to learn about her journey, teaching philosophy, and what inspires her every day.
Can you tell us about your background and what first led you here?
I grew up in a hardworking family with immigrant roots. My dad is Italian and my mom is Irish, and I saw firsthand the value of perseverance, discipline, and responsibility. From a young age, my parents emphasized education and the importance of building a career you can be proud of. I also did gymnastics growing up, which taught me patience, focus, and resilience, skills that have carried over into both dentistry and teaching. Dentistry appealed to me because my mom worked in the field and I got to see a lot of what she did growing up. I also love how it blends technical skill with personal interaction and the ability to make a tangible difference in someone’s life. I started as an RDA and gradually completed EFDA and CODA certifications, which allowed me to expand my knowledge and open more doors in the dental field. Along the way, I realized I loved mentoring new assistants and helping them feel confident and capable, which eventually led me to teaching at Ross.
What led you toward becoming an instructor?
Becoming an instructor was a natural extension of my love for teaching and mentoring. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and watching students grow, especially when I can follow them from classroom to externship and see their progress in a real-world setting. Dr. Newbern, my boss, has been amazing in letting me use his office as a training site, which allows me to fully support students throughout the program. Seeing students gain confidence, develop skills, and succeed professionally is incredibly rewarding and keeps me motivated. Teaching allows me to make a difference on a larger scale and combine my passion for dentistry with my passion for helping others.
Looking back at your journey, what advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to trust the process and embrace every challenge as a learning opportunity. There will be times when you doubt yourself, but it’s important to keep going and understand that every step shapes who you are. I’d also tell myself to prioritize growth, embrace opportunities, and not let fear hold me back. Finally, I’d remind myself to balance professional ambitions with personal well-being and to find creative ways to recharge and stay energized.
How do you define the difference between a job and a career?
A job is something you do primarily for income, while a career is something that motivates, challenges, and fulfills you. Dentistry is my career because it allows me to make a difference, connect with patients, mentor students, and continue learning every day. I see the difference clearly when I watch students grow from hesitant beginners into confident professionals. They begin to see their work not just as a series of tasks but as a meaningful path with long-term impact.
What was the biggest challenge you faced when you first stepped into the classroom?
Finding my confidence and rhythm as a new instructor was challenging. There’s no one-size-fits-all guide for teaching, so I initially worried about whether I was engaging students effectively and covering the material in a clear way. Over time, I learned that being authentic, supportive, and approachable matters more than perfection. Creating a relaxed and open classroom where students feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes was key to overcoming this challenge.
How do you help students who feel like they are hitting a roadblock and want to quit?
I remind students that obstacles are temporary and part of the learning process. Breaking tasks into smaller steps, asking questions, and focusing on one module at a time helps them regain confidence. Encouraging them to see the bigger picture—their future career—also motivates them to push through. Celebrating small victories and providing reassurance makes a huge difference. Seeing students overcome doubts and succeed is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching.
How would you describe your teaching style?
My teaching style is relaxed, hands-on, and student-centered. I create a low-stress environment where students can be themselves while learning. I follow the curriculum closely but always bring in real-world examples from my dental office, making lessons relatable and practical. I encourage questions, active participation, and practice, and I celebrate every bit of progress. By making the classroom engaging and supportive, I help students retain knowledge and build confidence for their clinical work.
What qualities make a great Dental Assistant in today’s healthcare environment?
A great Dental Assistant combines technical expertise with interpersonal skills. They are organized, adaptable, proactive, empathetic, and professional. Confidence, patience, and a positive attitude are essential because patients can feel your energy. Anticipating the dentist’s needs, communicating effectively, and providing a comfortable patient experience set outstanding assistants apart. I emphasize these skills to prepare students for long-term success in a real dental office.
What soft skills do you believe are just as important as clinical skills?
Communication, empathy, patience, adaptability, and teamwork are critical. Dental assistants must connect with patients, calm anxious individuals, and collaborate with dentists and colleagues. Emotional intelligence is just as important as technical expertise, and I teach students to recognize this from the first day. Being kind, confident, and approachable makes a huge difference in patient care and professional reputation.
Can you share a student success story that really stayed with you?
One student came in very anxious about performing procedures and interacting with patients. She doubted herself at first, but through hands-on practice, guidance, and encouragement, she gained confidence and excelled in externship. By the end of the program, she was assisting seamlessly, mentoring peers, and thriving professionally. Witnessing that transformation reaffirmed why I love teaching and reminded me how rewarding it is to help students realize their potential.
What mindset helps students finish strong in an accelerated program?
Persistence, organization, and confidence are essential. Students should take it one module at a time, celebrate small wins, and stay focused on the end goal. Self-care, asking questions, and active engagement are also important. Mistakes are opportunities to learn, and adopting a growth mindset helps students finish strong and prepared for their careers.
What is your daily routine for setting your students up for success?
I start early preparing lessons, reviewing procedures, and thinking about ways to relate the material to real-world situations. I keep students engaged with hands-on practice, discussion, and encouragement. My goal is to create a supportive, interactive environment where learning feels enjoyable rather than intimidating. Consistency, positive energy, and clear communication are key to helping students feel ready for every lesson and every clinical challenge.
What do you like to do when you aren’t at the campus?
I love cooking, especially Italian dishes, and pasta is my favorite. I also love traveling because it allows me to recharge, explore new cultures, and gain inspiration for both my personal and professional life.
Fun fact about you.
I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, creating new recipes, and sharing meals with loved ones. Most people wouldn’t guess I am also a high school sweetheart, which has been a meaningful part of my personal journey and perspective on commitment and growth.
What are your long-term goals as an educator?
I want to continue teaching at Ross, leaving a lasting impact on students by equipping them with skills, confidence, and professional guidance. My goal is to mentor students beyond graduation, support them in their careers, and be remembered as an instructor who inspired growth, resilience, and a love for learning.
Why do you feel it’s important to share your real-life experiences alongside textbook material?
Textbooks provide the facts, but real-life experience brings context and relevance. By sharing examples from my dental office, students see how skills are applied in real situations, making the lessons tangible and memorable. This approach prepares students for real patient care and professional interactions, giving them confidence before they even step into an office.
How do you approach the different personalities in your classroom?
I adapt my teaching to each student’s learning style. Some are hands-on learners, others need detailed explanations, and some thrive through observation. Listening carefully, being flexible, and encouraging engagement ensures every student can succeed. Patience, empathy, and personalized attention are key to unlocking their potential.
Who have been your biggest mentors during your journey?
I have been inspired by colleagues in the dental field and mentors who encouraged me to pursue further certifications and expand my skills. Dr. Newbern has been incredible, providing opportunities to train students in a real office setting, which allows me to guide them from start to finish. Their support and belief in me reinforced my confidence as both a practitioner and an instructor.
How do you balance full-time work with teaching?
Time management, planning, and clear boundaries are essential. I dedicate specific time for lesson prep, class engagement, and hands-on mentoring while ensuring that my own professional duties are completed. Balancing both roles allows me to stay connected to the field and provide students with practical, up-to-date knowledge.
How has your teaching style evolved since your first term as an instructor?
I try to be more relaxed and not create a tense and stressful environment for my students, by being open and honest and allowing them to be their true selves. I feel that is when they best thrive. I teach them the curriculum provided and do my best to explain how it is in the real world as I still work full time in an office.
Also, my boss, Dr.Newbern, has been amazing in allowing me to utilize his office as a training center for my students while on externship, so I’m fully able to see them through the program from start to finish. It feels very rewarding and I’m proud to have that experience.
What mindset do you encourage students to adopt for long-term professional growth?
I teach students to be proactive learners, embrace challenges, and pursue continuous improvement. Curiosity, adaptability, and self-reflection are essential for ongoing success. Viewing each experience as an opportunity to grow ensures they remain motivated and prepared for career advancement.
What does success look like to you at the end of each term?
Success is seeing students leave the program confident, competent, and ready to begin their careers. It’s knowing that I contributed to their growth, helped them overcome challenges, and equipped them with both technical skills and professional mindset to thrive in dentistry.
Erica Jackson is more than an instructor; she is a mentor, a guide, and a source of inspiration for every student who walks into her classroom. By combining real-world dental experience with a supportive, student-focused teaching style, she empowers students to grow both professionally and personally. Whether she’s demonstrating clinical skills, offering career advice, or encouraging students to believe in themselves, Erica shows that success comes from passion, dedication, and the willingness to lift others up along the way. Her journey reminds us that a career is not just about mastering a skill—it’s about creating impact, building confidence, and helping the next generation realize their full potential.