News and Updates Hospital in conjunction with Oregon Health and Science University. She plans to use her scholarship funds toward dental school application and ultimately aims to advocate for the special needs and medically complex patient population. “I strive to improve my knowledge in patient care,” Ha says. “Patients look to their providers for support to get through obstacles in their lives. Through my personal work experiences, I have learned that honing my patient-care skills — such as being compassionate and open-minded — will allow me to provide extended support for my patients, as well as ensure their safety.” Valinda Johnston, CDA, of Pleasant Grove, Utah, has been working as a dental assistant for more than 30 years. Additionally, she has experience working as a treatment coordinator, helping to coordinate and teach continuing dental education offered by her dentist employer, and providing in-office consulting nationwide. Johnston now is pursuing a Health Science and Services degree at Brigham Young University-Idaho, with plans to her use her scholarship funds toward this tuition cost. “As a French author said, ‘A goal without a plan is just a wish.’ I have always wished to go back to school and earn my bachelor’s degree,” Johnston says. “Life has brought many challenges and hardships that put my goal of going Valinda Johnston, CDA back to school on hold. It is the right time now. I have the plan and an attainable goal. In the future, I hope to continue working in the dental field, teaching and consulting, and in dental research.”
Scholarship finalists This year, the scholarship committee also selected two finalists, who will receive one DALE Foundation product of their choice. • Vanessa Garcia, CDA • Pamela Smith, CDA
Learn more about the scholarship The DALE Foundation launched the Liz Koch Memorial Scholarship in 2014 to honor the late Liz Koch, who served as Chief Operating Officer of DANB and the DALE Foundation before her untimely passing in 2011. For more information, visit www.dalefoundation.org/About-TheDALE-Foundation/Scholarships.
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Fall/Winter 2020