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Success Spotlights

Rapid-Fire Q&A with Lindsay Hernandez Castaneda: Dental Assistant

Concorde Staff

Concorde Staff

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Updated May 27, 2025. The information contained in this blog is current and accurate as of this date.
Lindsay in Concorde student scrubs next to the Concorde logo.

We're catching up with Lindsay Hernandez Castaneda, graduate of Concorde's Dental Assistant program at our campus in Garden Grove, California.  

The last time we spoke with her, she told us how she uses her Spanish skills to provide patient care at Camino Health Center. Now, we're digging deeper with a rapid-fire Q&A to learn about her experiences and inspire future dental professionals.Why Did You Choose Concorde?

Lindsay: I chose Concorde because it's an accredited school, I really liked the reviews online, and they had a lot of different healthcare options.
 

What Was the Most Exciting Part of Our Dental Assistant Program?

Lindsay: The most exciting part for me was how hands-on it was. Then it would be learning the laws and regulations as a dental assistant in California.
 

What Was Your Biggest Fear About Starting the Program?

Lindsay: Biggest fear was not being able to work and go to school, but luckily it worked out for me. At the office that I worked in, they understood I was going to school, and they made it flexible for me to be able to still go to school and work with them.
 

What Was Your Favorite Class?

Lindsay: My favorite part was definitely the X-ray module!
 

What Surprised You Most About the Program?

Lindsay: How challenging it is. But I also think that's really great because it helps you understand better and gives you confidence. Like you’re doing things the way you're supposed to do them.
 

How Hands-On Was Your Training?

Lindsay: It was very hands-on! A specific example would probably be in our X-ray module. 

There was training where I had three real patients, and I had to take a full mouth set of X-rays, which are all their teeth. It was a challenge to get it done quickly!
 

Where Do You Work Now?

Lindsay: I work at Camino Health Center. I really enjoy it because every single person that walks in is so different. I know I'm helping them, and it makes me feel so much happier and more fulfilled.
 

How Did Concorde Help after You Graduated?

Lindsay: They helped me by setting up mock interviews. We had a module where we focused on interview questions, how to dress for the interview, and what questions you should ask. After that, I felt more prepared to move on to my career.
 

Lindsay in a dental gown providing dental evacuation under the supervision of an instructor.

 

Did You Feel Prepared for Your First Day on the Job?

Lindsay: I did. How to fit into the office flow—that was the hard part, but other than that, I do feel like Concorde really prepared me.
 

Describe your Typical Workday as a Dental Assistant in Three Words.

Lindsay: Busy, sometimes crazy, but rewarding.
 

What Is Your Favorite Dental Procedure to Assist With?

Lindsay: Crown preps all day, every day! Anything restorative. That's my favorite thing to do.
 

What Is One Skill You Learned at Concorde That You Use Every Day?

Lindsay: Using the dental film and sensor holder. I struggled with it in my X-ray module and after my instructors taught me how to properly use it, it was my go-to for everything, especially when my patients don't have teeth.
 

What Is Your Advice for Future Dental Assistants?

Lindsay: It's hard in the beginning, but it gets easier the more you put yourself out there. 
So, my best advice is not to be afraid. Ask as many questions as you need to, even if they sound silly because a silly question is still a good question.
 

If You Could Go Back and Talk to Your High School Self, What Advice Would You Give?

Lindsay: Even though you're figuring it out, it's all going to work out. It's going to happen when you least expect it, and you just need to trust the process.
 

Lindsay sitting in a classroom holding a model set of teeth to practice dental assisting skills.

 

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Take The Next Step Towards a Brighter Future

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  1. Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

  2. Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment.

  3. Financial aid is available to those who qualify but may not be available for all programs. Concorde does not guarantee financial aid or scholarship awards or amounts.

  4. Clinical hour requirements and delivery may vary by campus location and may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee clinical site assignments based upon student preference or geographic convenience; nor do clinical experiences guarantee graduation, post-clinical employment or salary outcomes.

  5. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

  6. Externships are a non-paid in-person learning experience, whose length and location may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee externship placement, graduation, post-externship employment or salary outcomes.