Emma Ottmar –Building a Career in the Dental Field
A shy child who often kept to herself, Emma could never have imagined that someday she would be tapped to speak at her college graduation, standing behind the podium addressing her teachers and peers. But thanks, in part, to her time at Charter College, Emma found her voice, her confidence, and her path. And she was proud to speak at her graduation from the school.
From High School to Charter College
Coming out of high school, Emma Ottmar felt lost. Her graduation occurred in the midst of the pandemic, and she didn’t know what she wanted to do with her life. Emma felt her options were limited, so she decided to take a gap year to plan her next steps. During that time, a close friend recommended that Emma look into Charter College. She gave the school a call just to get an idea of what the college might have to offer. And then it was a visit to Charter College- Pasco, WA.
“Charter College was something new and intimidating for me,” Emma explains. “But from that first visit, the faculty, the staff, and even the building felt so welcoming.”
Emily says that the local community college she had considered just didn’t make her feel at home the way Charter College did.
Choosing Dental Assisting
Although Emma knew where she would study, she wasn’t sure what she would study. What could she do that would help others, challenge her, and still feel familiar? It didn’t take long to come to a decision.
As a child, Emma had a lot of dentistry work done. But unlike other kids, Emma didn’t dread the visits.
“The dentist’s office was my second home. I spent a lot of time there, so I had time to pick up on the language and procedures, so that really sparked my interest,” she says.
With all her visits to the dentist’s office, Emma became familiar with common dental tools, procedures, and terminology. She got to know the team and felt safe in that space.
Emma chose to enroll in the Dental Assisting program, so she could help others and put a smile on their faces like Emma’s dentist did with her.
Thriving in the Dental Assisting Program
Emma entered the program and dove right in. She immediately loved the coursework and connected with her peers. She appreciated the hands-on labs where she was able to practice procedures on the mannequins to hone her skills, and she became more confident. And she said the instructors were great teachers and mentors.
“My instructor, Staci Harris was a huge inspiration to me,” Emma recalls. “She had years of experience in dentistry before teaching. She can answer any questions you have, and she shares amazing stories about her experiences.”
Emma says that the instructors and staff genuinely cared about their students’ success. From the very start, everyone was helpful and kind. Especially coming off a gap year, Emma didn’t know how to choose a focus, fill out financial aid applications, or prepare for classes. But the Charter College team felt like they were her team. And Emma developed deep relationships with her teachers and her classmates. And those friendships lasted beyond graduation, with some of her classmates even attending her wedding. These connections remain a vital part of Emma’s life, and she credits much of her success to the connections she made.
Aspirations Beyond Charter College
With the confidence and skills she gained from the Dental Assisting program, Emma has decided to continue her studies and pursue a dental hygienist career. She says Charter College has helped her reach this point in her career and in her personal life. Her experience boosted her confidence and inspired her to continue with a project that was very near to her heart.
Emma is a poet and always dreamed of publishing a book of poems. And now she has! Burning Bridges is her debut poetry book. The collection speaks to faith, resilience, and the cathartic act of burning bridges with the past to build a better future.
Are you ready for the future you deserve? Charter College may have something for you. We offer several healthcare programs, including Dental Assisting, and also programs in business, IT, and the trades. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.