April Clements

I attribute my success to the hard work and dedication it has taken to reach where I am today. I have gained valuable experience across a variety of roles, including working as a chiropractic and podiatry assistant, in car sales, and within an employment agency. Although I recently graduated from dental assisting school, I have not yet begun working in the field; however, I am eager and fully prepared to begin this next chapter in my career. Prior to this, I balanced two part-time jobs before transitioning into my role as a lifeguard assistant at PARA, all of which strengthened my work ethic, adaptability, and commitment to growth as I move forward into the dental assisting profession.

The best career advice I have ever received is that it is possible to build a successful career in a field I love while also empowering and supporting others.

The best advice I would give to young women entering my industry is that you can and you will succeed never give up the fight. Stay persistent, trust your abilities, and continue pushing forward even when challenges arise. At the same time, remember to take care of yourself outside of work. I believe balance is important, so I make it a point to enjoy my days off by practicing yoga, learning to paint, and spending quality time with my two adopted cats. Maintaining both determination in your career and joy in your personal life will help you grow into a confident and well-rounded professional.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is transitioning from being a new graduate into securing a position within my area of expertise. Like many recent graduates, I am focused on gaining that first opportunity to apply my training in a real-world setting and build hands-on experience. At the same time, I see this stage as a valuable opportunity to grow, learn from experienced professionals, and develop confidence in my skills as I begin my career in dental assisting.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are service, compassion, integrity, and community involvement. I am deeply committed to giving back and staying engaged with organizations that make a meaningful difference, including PreBorn, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, the VA Medical Center, and the American Red Cross. Volunteering has also been a significant part of my journey, and I have been honored to receive recognition from Habitat for Humanity and the Humane Society. I truly believe that the impact of service extends beyond those we help, as the benefits of volunteering often come back to enrich and shape your own life in meaningful ways.