Lashanda’s Journey: From Property Manager to Dental Assistant

In the quiet coastal town of Beaufort, South Carolina, where the ocean’s rhythm shapes daily life, Lashanda’s story begins. She’s a wife, a mother of three, and for the past twelve years, a dedicated property manager. Her days were filled with balancing tenant needs, managing staff, and ensuring buildings ran smoothly. But deep down, she knew she was meant for something more.

“I just wanted to do more,” she shared. “I wanted something different—something that gave me purpose and let me help people. Healthcare kept calling my name. And then I realized, dental assisting could give me both: a career with stability and the chance to make a real impact.”

A Lifelong Obsession with Teeth

Ironically, Lashanda admits she hates going to the dentist herself. Yet, she has always been fascinated by teeth.

“I’m obsessed with teeth,” she laughed. “It sounds crazy, but I’ve always noticed smiles. I hated being in that chair myself, but the work behind the scenes—what dental assistants do—always amazed me.”

For years, she toyed with the idea of pursuing dental assisting. She researched programs, even finding one in Savannah, Georgia, but the commute—nearly an hour each way—made it impossible to balance with her full-time job and family responsibilities.

Then, one ordinary day scrolling through Facebook, everything changed.

“I saw a new location had opened right here in Beaufort,” she said. “Two days later, I was enrolled in Beaufort Dental Assistant School. I called on a Friday, paid my tuition on Monday. I just knew this was my moment.”

Walking Into the Unknown

Like many adult learners, Lashanda carried nerves on her first day of class. Would she fit in? Could she keep up while still working full-time and raising her family?

But when she walked into the classroom, relief washed over her.

“There were only six of us. That small class size changed everything,” she explained. “It wasn’t overwhelming. The instructor had every tool laid out, labeled, and ready. I thought if this wasn’t for me, I’d quit after day one—even if I had paid. But after that class, I said, ‘Oh, I can do this.’”

Her classmates became teammates. Her instructor became a mentor. Together, they built a community that lifted each other through every lesson.

The Struggles That Didn’t See Coming

Still, the journey wasn’t without challenges.

“The charting system nearly broke me,” she confessed. “I’ve always been a quick learner, but for some reason, charting just wouldn’t click. I was frustrated. I even told my instructor, ‘I’m about to quit. This is giving me a headache. I can’t do it.’”

Instead of letting her walk away, her instructor and classmates of Beaufort Dental Assistant School rallied behind her. They stayed after class, working patiently until she finally broke through the block.

“That moment showed me I wasn’t alone,” she said softly. “Everyone slowed down until I caught up. That kind of support—I’ll never forget it.”

Discovering Her Strengths

Lashanda’s proudest achievements came as she began mastering what once felt impossible.

“I can now look at an X-ray and know exactly which tooth is which—molar, premolar, incisor. I even corrected a dental assistant during one of my own appointments!” she laughed. “She pointed to the wrong tooth, and I told her, ‘No, it’s number 12.’ When the dentist confirmed it, I thought, wow—I really did that.”

But beyond the skills, something deeper changed within her.

“This program gave me more patience and more appreciation. At my internship, I realized how much dental assistants do. They set up everything. They hand the doctor every tool. Without them, the doctor can’t do their job. Being in her shoes gave me so much respect for this profession.”

Balancing Motherhood, Work, and Dreams

Outside of class, Lashanda’s life is full. She and her husband are raising three children, ages 19, 16, and 11. Between managing family schedules, cooking dinner, and holding down her job, she still finds time for the things she loves—eating at new restaurants, spending time at the beach, and enjoying water sports.

“I tell people, if it involves water, count me in—parasailing, jet skiing, whatever it is,” she said with a grin. “Life is too short not to enjoy it.”

Her joy for life shines through everything she does, but so does her determination. She knew pursuing dental assisting would be hard, but quitting was never truly an option.

Eyes on the Future

As graduation approaches, Lashanda isn’t wasting any time.

“I want to jump right into the field. I don’t want to wait and forget anything. I want it to still be fresh.”

She’s keeping her options open between general dentistry and oral surgery, but one thing is clear: she’s ready to begin her new career.

Words for Others

When asked what she’d say to someone considering dental assisting but unsure, her answer came without hesitation.

“Go for it. It’s worth it. The support is there before, during, and after classes. And the hands-on training—plus the required internship—is priceless. You need that real-world experience, and this program gives it to you.”

A Journey of Courage and Reinvention

Lashanda’s story is one of courage, reinvention, and hope. She proves it’s never too late to change your path, no matter how long you’ve been in another career.

For her, dental assisting isn’t just a new profession. It’s a chance to do more—to serve, to care, and to leave a legacy of compassion for her children to witness.

“I wanted to do something different,” she reflected. “Now, I know I can.”