Staying close to home also meant a lot to Mattson. Choosing LCC meant she could focus on her studies with the support system that helped to this point. Now, each class and clinic session moves her closer to the work she’s always imagined herself doing.
“When I first decided I wanted to become a dental hygienist was early on in middle school,” said Mattson. “It’s a very rewarding job, and you’re able to teach other people and know that you’re making a difference in their life.”
She loves the idea of educating patients, offering reassurance, and giving people the tools to feel better about their health. It’s the kind of career where small moments add up. A question answered, a concern eased, and a smile restored is what it’s all about for her.
Looking ahead, Mattson sees herself completing the dental hygiene program and stepping into the career she’s been working hard to achieve for years. Her 2023 scholarship helps keep that dream in motion, giving her the space to focus on learning, growing, and building the skills she’ll carry into every patient interaction down the road.
Published February 15, 2024
