One day, she job-shadowed a dental assistant for school. Then, she knew.
That career goal choice now is becoming a reality for Lorena. She recently assumed a part-time dental assistant trainee role at Promise Community Health Center in Sioux Center as she completes her dental assistant education at Western Iowa Tech Community College in Sioux City. She plans to transition to full time at Promise after earning her diploma in May.
“I just love what dental assistants do,” she said. “I love dealing with different patients every day.”
Lorena, who is bilingual in English and Spanish, grew up in Rock Valley and graduated from Rock Valley High School in 2016 before going on to WIT.
She was interested in serving at Promise because it was a great way to practice her dental assistant skills and get a headstart on her career while still in school.
“I hope I can make patients feel welcome and help the dentist in any way he needs me,” she said. “Promise is a very helpful and nice organization.”
Lorena Ronquillo lives with Rock Valley with her parents, Leticia and Luis. She has three sisters and two brothers. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with her family.