Testimonials

Meet Quaddira,  DA student and Military Spouse

Quaddira is a newer military spouse, new to the West Coast (from her native New Jersey) and new to San Diego. Her husband, a boatswain’s mate, is attached to 32nd Street Naval Station. No stranger to military life, she comes from a military family: her dad served in the Army, and her mom has worked in the dental field as a dental assistant and lab tech, so Quaddira learned a lot about the dental industry growing up, so much so, she decided she wanted to follow in her mom’s footsteps.

The portability of a dental assistant career that can transfer from duty station to duty station much more easily than other professions is one factor that appealed to Quaddira as she started researching programs to start her education. 

A friend told her about MyCAA, which stands for Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts, and is a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 of tuition assistance to eligible military spouses, who can start and complete their coursework while their military sponsor is on orders. 

Her research then led her to Howard Healthcare Academy. “From the first phone call, everyone was very helpful and knowledgeable, and they took the time to answer all my questions,” Quaddira said.  Understandably, Quaddira had a lot of questions. “I didn’t know what to expect, but they didn’t make me feel rushed,” she said about the experience of learning about the program, receiving and applying for the MyCAA scholarship and being admitted to the DA program. 

One important step for any potential student is to visit the campus. Quaddira had visited another school but was put off by the condition of the facility which made a poor first impression. When she came to Howard Healthcare Academy for her tour, she had the exact opposite reaction. She was impressed by the modern campus, spotless lab and facilities. 

As she was about to take her first class, COVID hit and everything stopped when all the schools in California were forced to close. Fast forward three months later and Quaddira started her first in-person class. She said the infection control and safety protocols Howard Healthcare Academy instituted for students has made her feel more than comfortable, she has no concerns about her health and safety.

As a mom of a 9 -year-old who isn’t in school because of the pandemic, a husband with an unpredictable work schedule due to workups and long deployments, flexibility was important to Quaddira, as was small class size which allows her to get one-on-one personal attention from her instructors. 

“They heard me and understood me,” Quaddira said. “This is a career for me, not a job,” she said. Quaddira’s goal is to get her RDA and then go back to school for her DDS, and with some help from Howard Healthcare Academy and MyCAA, she is on her way!

"What I liked most about Howard HealthCare Academy is the small class size. I received a lot of personalized attention during my dental assisting program. The facility is clean and organized. I received a strong education on the basics, and even if I don’t need to use a skill, like mixing impressions, I know how to do it. I also know I could come back to campus to practice more skills or ask a question of my instructors. I will definitely come back for my EF."

-Karly M., Howard Healthcare Academy Graduate
Dental Assisting Program, Class of 2019

"I loved my time at Howard Healthcare Academy!
It was a great environment and professional atmosphere. The dental technology was state of the art and helped prepare me for my externship. The faculty and staff were extra helpful and friendly and took the time to help students. They really went above and beyond to make me feel confident and successful.
I am very thankful for Dr. Hoss and the school for getting me to where I am and I look forward to a long career in dental assisting."

-Allyson P., Howard Healthcare Academy Graduate
RDA Program, Class of 2019

“As a graduate from the dental assistant program, I can honestly say that I got the best hands on training from the teachers and staff at The Super Dentists! I have confidence in my work now and don’t think any other school could have given me that!”

-Kelly S., Howard Healthcare Academy Graduate

“I am interested in the dental assisting program. My sister became a dental assistant through your program and she is very successful. I am looking forward to more information. Thank you!”

-Abbigail M.

“I am a dental assistant graduate 2011 but didn’t get a chance to work as a DA. Want to pursue my career in the dental field and decided to take a refresher class at Howard Healthcare Academy. The administrator is very helpful and I even had a chance to practice at The Super Dentists. Now I'm looking forward to work as a DA and soon to be a Registered Dental Assistant.”

-Ani Y., Howard Healthcare Academy Graduate

“I loved my instructor and especially enjoyed the Radiation Safety, Coronal Polish, Dental Practice Act and Infection Control classes. I appreciated the clean environment and knowledgeable instruction and highly recommend Howard Healthcare Academy.”

-Faith M., Howard Healthcare Academy Graduate

“I want to thank my Howard Healthcare Academy instructor for all her help. Howard Academy is changing lives.”

-Barbara, Howard Healthcare Academy Graduate

Learn More about becoming a Dental Assistant.