Like all the programs at Ross, our dental assistant program is full of wonderful, dedicated instructors. Ross is showcasing two of these instructors as part of our Dental Appreciation Week celebration. Both women have been with Ross for many years and are committed to providing our students with the best education possible. We are proud to have them as part of the Ross family.
Sharon Beard
Sharon Beard began working in a dental office when she was 16-years-old as part of a work-study program at her high school. Fast forward to 2022 and Beard has been a dental assistant for nearly 30 years, with the last 13 years as a part of the Ross faculty.
When asked what she likes about teaching new dental assistants Beard said, “I love empowering students and motivating them to achieve their goal. I enjoy supporting them however I can.”
Beard describes herself as a closet comedian that loves to laugh. She brings this same energy to the classroom as she teaches in a way that is fun and engaging for students. It is important for students to quickly learn the information in relatable terms, according to Beard.
When asked what advice she always gives students Beard said, “They can do it. I always make sure my students remember that they can do it and be successful dental assistants.”
Sarah Ledesma
Sarah Ledesma became a dental assistant right after high school, attending and graduating from Ross in 2011. She then went to work for a dental office, but her journey with Ross wasn’t over.
A few years later Ledesma reached out to a friend at Ross asking if she could help out here and there. The conversations quickly snowballed, leading her to taking a full-time faculty position at Ross.
When asked what she likes teaching new dental assistants Ledesma said, “I love seeing my students grow and turn into professionals that are going to have a positive impact and help patients.”
Like Beard, Ledesma encourages students to remember that they can achieve their goals. But she also reminds them of the importance of a positive attitude.
“We can teach skills, but we can’t teach attitude,” Ledesma says, “a positive attitude goes a long way towards making school, a career and life more enjoyable.”