From Patient to NHC Mentor: A Staff Success Story
Maria B. remembers the first time she walked into Neighborhood Health Center’s Oregon City Dental Clinic as a patient in 2017. She had Oregon Health Plan (OHP) insurance and had never been there before, so she was a little nervous. As a dental assistant herself, Maria knew exactly what good care looked like and what it didn’t.
“I remember walking in and thinking, this is really nice,” Maria says. “Everyone’s talking to each other, and there’s laughing. It was actually kind of joyful.”
Her appointment was even better. She saw the Chief Dental Officer and Family Dentist, Dr. Hall, who was calm and kind.
“They didn’t try to sell me anything I didn’t need, which is a pretty common experience with dental,” Maria recalls. “Everyone was cohesive and positive. For public health, they brought me back on time, too. Usually, in public health, you’re waiting a long time.”
Maria didn’t just experience good dental care that day. She saw a place where she wanted to work.
A Natural Fit
Before coming to NHC, Maria worked as a dental assistant for over a decade in private practice, mostly in pediatric dentistry. She enjoyed the work but wanted something different.
“I worked with a lot of pretty privileged people,” she says. “I wanted to work with a different demographic. I wanted to go into public health because I really do have a servant’s heart.”
So at her next appointment, Maria found the courage to ask Dr. Hall if NHC was hiring. He said yes, even taking her resume personally. Soon after, Maria joined NHC as a dental assistant at the clinic that first welcomed her.
“It was so easy, like it was meant to be almost,” Maria remembers. “They hired me, and it felt right immediately.”
Finding Her Purpose
At NHC, Maria surrounded herself with coworkers who genuinely cared about the patients and each other. She and her fellow dental assistants became known as the “dream team.” They worked smoothly together, helping patients, and having fun along the way.
Maria’s leadership skills didn’t go unnoticed. Soon she was promoted to Lead Dental Assistant, mentoring others and taking on new challenges. Yet, after many years, she was ready for something different.
"I remember thinking, my back is hurting, I've done clinical work for over 15 years. I need something new," Maria says.
In 2021, she saw a new opportunity: Epic Trainer II focused on dental clinics. Epic is the software NHC uses for patient records. NHC’s Epic Trainers support clinical staff by providing comprehensive training to use the software effectively. Maria jumped at the chance, even though it meant leaving the clinical setting she knew so well.
"It was scary at first. I didn't know computers well, and I'm almost 50, so technology felt overwhelming," she says.
Yet she never felt alone. Her coworkers gave her time, resources, and kindness, and with their help, Maria discovered talents she never knew she had.
“I’ve just been able to build up my resume from being a dental assistant to a more technical, higher-paying job,” Maria explains. “It’s been really nice to transition from a stressful clinical environment. They did take a chance on me. They really did.”
Related: From Helping Patients to Growing Partnerships: Maribel’s Journey at NHC
Creating a Support System
Today, Maria trains new dental assistants, teaching them how to use Epic and mentoring them chairside in clinics. She’s built a role from the ground up, ensuring new hires never feel as lost as she once did. Maria proudly notes that turnover among dental assistants has dropped significantly since taking this role.
“My goal is always to be with them as long as they need me,” she says, smiling. “Until they’re ready to be like, ‘Get away from me. I don’t need you anymore!’”
Maria’s caring approach comes from deep personal understanding. Years ago, as a single mom raising three kids, she struggled financially. Now, at NHC, she helps others navigate challenges like the ones she faced.
“I monitor our dental assisting training program because I really know how they feel,” Maria explains. “They’re trying to get ahead but might have financial strains. I was there.”
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Paying It Forward
Maria’s greatest reward is seeing others grow. Her proudest moments come from watching her trainees succeed. She recalls one dental assistant who struggled for years to advance until Maria stepped in to help.
"Within six months, she completed all her training," Maria says, beaming. "Sometimes people just need someone to believe in them. I'm proud to be that person."
Maria ensures that each new team member feels supported from their first day until they are confident enough to say, "I’ve got this."
NHC supports Maria’s own growth by offering training and professional development opportunities. She also gets the chance to learn new skills, like infection control. For Maria, the supportive environment is everything.
“My peers were very supportive of me from the start,” she says. “I never thought of quitting because I knew if I had a question, they would help.”
Related: Gricelda’s Career Growth at NHC
Why Maria Stays
Maria’s time at NHC hasn't just shaped her career; it’s also helped her grow personally.
"I've learned to be more compassionate and open-minded," she says. "NHC taught me that kindness and acceptance are strengths. I'm a better person because of the people here."
Maria encourages new employees who want to grow their careers at NHC to embrace their work fully.
"Show up, give your best, and people will notice," she advises. "There’s always an opportunity here if you really want it."
For anyone looking to apply to NHC, Maria’s advice is simple: “Apply! It’s a great place to work. There are healthy boundaries between work and personal life, there’s educational support, and the environment isn’t cutthroat. It’s patient-based, not profit-based, and it feels good coming to work.”
Why NHC Matters
For Maria, working at NHC isn't just a job. It's about belonging to a caring community that puts people first.
"This is a place where patients and employees are treated with respect," Maria explains. "The care here is real. It's not about money. It's about people."
From patient to mentor, Maria’s journey is proof of what’s possible at Neighborhood Health Center — real growth, real compassion, and real impact.