*Luz Janet Nolasco-Silva
Hello! My name is Luz Janet Nolasco-Silva. I am a student at Clark College Dental Hygiene Program and will graduate with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene next year. I’ve lived in the Clark County area almost my whole life! What I love most about living in this area is our friendly community and the outdoor opportunities. Growing up, I always loved going in for my annual dental check-ups and found the dental field interesting. After graduating high school, I worked part-time as a dental assistant at several community dental clinics and attended college full-time (sometimes part-time) to complete my prerequisites. During those years, I fell in love with educating patients about the importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene and decided to pursue a career in dental hygiene. In January of 2023, I applied to the dental hygiene program and got in! Ever since, I am super excited and grateful to have the opportunity to move forward in my career. As a future first-generation Latina dental hygienist, I am committed to working hard in my academic pursuits and hope to contribute to the field of dental hygiene and our community in meaningful ways. I am deeply honored and incredibly grateful to be awarded this scholarship.
*Catherine Robison
My name is Catherine Robison. I am a wife to my husband Jordan Robison of 13 years, a mother to three boys; Josiah (10), Asher (7) and Owen (4), and a full time student at Clark College Dental Hygiene. I have almost 12 years of dental experience. I graduated from Charter College in 2012 with a certificate in Dental Assisting. I went on to work for East Fork Dental in Battle Ground, WA for the next 11 years where I worked as a doctor assistant. It was there that I got to learn many aspects of dental from working with different hygienists, to helping cover front desk, running sterilization and working with four different dentist over those years. I was fortunate to learn many complex and interesting procedures during my time at that office that ultimately lead me to aspiring a career in dental hygiene. I am excited to return to work in Clark County as a Registered Dental Hygienist so I may be a part of a thriving and exciting field in a community that I love very much. I also look forward to helping patients reach their oral health care goals and live fuller, healthier lives. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, biking with my boys, camping, and cheering on my children at their sporting events or music recitals.
*Juliana Varela
Hello! My name is Juliana Varela, I was born and raised in Vancouver, Washington. I am a first-year Student Dental Hygienist at Clark College’s Dental Hygiene program. My interest in dentistry first started as a young child when I was seen by my dental hygienist. She influenced my perspective about dentistry which motivated me to create life-changing habits, and I would like to be that person for others as well. After graduating high school, I worked as a dental assistant part-time while attending college. During that time, I found an interest in the preventative aspect of dentistry which inspired me to pursue dental hygiene. Once I become a Registered Dental Hygienist, one of my goals is to provide access to quality care and resources for the community, including those of lower socioeconomic status. It truly is an honor to be chosen as one of the recipients of the Clark County Dental Society scholarship allowing me to continue my education.