Amanda Kearney, Dental Assisting Graduate, Finds Her Comfort Zone

When Amanda Kearney toured the SJVC campus for the first time, she walked with an admissions advisor through two classrooms and a lab – and fell in love. It instantly reminded her of a time in middle school when sitting in her dentist’s office, she asked the dental assistant there about what she did. Everything the DA said was so positive it left her with such a good feeling she never forgot it. It was that first impression that stayed with her all these years and now resonated for her in her search for a career.

Amanda is a woman of many talents. Before – and even during – her studies at SJVC, she had lots of jobs. She is an outgoing, visual, artistic personality who loves doing things with her hands – working on cars, playing with cameras. Often after a job, like when she was the lead teacher for an afterschool program, she would leave that job for a photo shoot. At one point, she became a wedding photographer.

She discovered, when she finally made a decision to pursue a career in Dental Assisting, SJVC teachers teach in different ways, so you can figure out what is the best way for YOU to learn the material. Being an “academic” student is not necessarily their priority. “SJVC teaches in different ways so you can figure out the best way for you to learn,” she says.

Tell me about yourself.

I’m 33 years old. I was born in Northridge but my family moved to Pennsylvania and I spent my high school years there. I eventually moved back to California and was working a lot of different jobs, but I was feeling depleted because I didn’t have a set career. I live in Lake Arrowhead now. I am married and have a 13-year-old daughter. My husband’s sister is the one who told me about the Dental Assisting program at SJVC.

Which campus did you go to?

SJVC Hesperia campus.

What made you decide the Dental field was for you?

It just felt right. I’ve always been super interested in dental; smiles and teeth intrigued me! I always had a good association. But the reason I hadn’t tried before was more because I didn’t have the resources or the right information – or the push – to get into it.

What was challenging for you?

At first, I thought everyone was intimated except for me. I’m an outgoing personality with a good sense of humor; I can be pretty loud, though. At the beginning I thought the class was too quiet. So, I approached other students with humor to break the ice. I wanted to encourage them to loosen up and get out of their shells, hoping we would work better as a class. The teacher also did exercises to help too. Eventually, not only did we succeed as a class, but we’re still good friends.

What are your favorite parts of the program?

The hands-on work. With real people and not real people – I mean they use fake heads too! It’s the best way for me to learn. I can listen to someone teach me, but I grasp it all at a higher level if I’m actually doing it while they are teaching me.

How did your family respond once you started school?

It was hard at first, but once we got into the rhythm of it, it became routine. My family was extremely supportive and so proud that I made the decision to go back to school. My husband pushes me in a good way to accomplish and do more. I am inspired to be a role model for my daughter, to show her that she can do anything that she puts her mind to.

Where are you working now?

Last year, I was the first in my class to get hired from my externship and I’m still there. I feel like it’s where I’m supposed to be. I started the job in February 2024 and after one year now, I’m taking on the role of office manager.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?

I’m someone who is always doing more than one thing. Right now, I’m writing a book; actually, I have a few different books in mind! They’re more like biblical devotionals for the working woman. I firmly believe God has given me the strength and has helped direct me through all the challenges I’ve met. It has taught me a lot.  Someday, I would like to use that experience to be an instructor.

Is there anything you can instruct the readers of this article right now, as they contemplate whether to take the plunge and apply to school?  Any words of encouragement?

Yes – don’t allow the fear and doubts of what might stop you from taking that leap of faith because it will be so worth it in the end. There’s always a way it will work out.