A 38-year-old veteran earns more than $100,000 annually in the healthcare industry without a bachelor's degree.

Ashley Quezada has discovered a fulfilling career in a location that some fear and others steer clear of: the dental clinic.

For the past ten years, Quezada, 38, has been employed as a dental hygienist in various offices across California.

As a teenager growing up in northern Virginia, Quezada had a different career in mind than what she eventually pursued. Inspired by her father, who served in the U.S. military, she enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and left for boot camp in June 2004, just two weeks after graduating from high school.

""My dad was always a huge inspiration to me, pushing me to be my best self, take risks, and help others. As a result, I wanted to follow in his footsteps," Quezada recalls."

In the Navy, Quezada worked as a military police officer for three years, which took her to various countries such as Spain, Greece, and Bahrain.

Balancing two military careers is challenging, especially after the birth of a child, as getting stationed together in the same place is nearly impossible.

After becoming a mother in 2006, Quezada made the decision to leave the military in 2007 in search of a more stable career path for the sake of her son and future children.

Her decision to leave the military and pursue a career in dentistry was influenced by her aunt, who served in the U.S. Coast Guard and later became a dental hygienist.

"Recalling the conversation, Quezada remembers how she was thrilled by the work-life balance and the satisfaction of working with patients. As a new mother, she found it relatable and appealing to have another job that centered on helping people, but in a different environment."

As a specialty regional director at Pacific Dental Services in Murrieta, California, Quezada earns approximately $140,000 annually as a dental hygienist.

Without a college degree, Quezada successfully transitioned into a six-figure career that enables her to maintain a flexible schedule and pursue a side hustle she's deeply passionate about.

Leaving the Navy to work in health care

Before deciding to pursue the schooling and training needed to become a dental hygienist, Quezada first tried out working chairside with patients as a dental assistant to see how she felt.

After leaving the Navy, Quezada returned home to northern Virginia and completed a dental assistant certificate program at a local community college in nine weeks.

On weekends, she attended classes to learn basic tooth anatomy, medical billing, equipment sterilization, and other skills, while working part-time as a bank teller during the week.

In early 2008, Quezada obtained her dental assistant certification and soon after began working in Northern Virginia.

She soon understood that she desired a position that would allow her to have a greater influence on patients' health and well-being.

In 2012, Quezada enrolled in Concorde Career College's dental hygienist program in San Diego after her husband received new military orders to California.

In 2014, she earned an associate degree in dental hygiene after completing a program that cost approximately $81,000.

To become a dental hygienist, one must have an associate degree, pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam and a state or regional clinical exam, and complete extensive training in patient care, including performing cleanings and taking X-rays.

After graduating, Quezada began working as a dental hygienist for a temp agency to gain experience in various dental office settings. She earned $45 per hour, which was double the amount she had made as a dental assistant.

In two years, Quezada secured a full-time job as a dental hygienist at Pacific Dental Services (PDS) in Riverside, California and began earning $100,000 annually.

According to Quezada, dental hygienists can expect to earn six figures straight out of school, making it an "amazing option" for those without a bachelor's degree.

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for dental hygienists is $93,000, regardless of their educational background.

Due to a persistent shortage of licensed professionals, 40% of dental practices are struggling to fill hygienist positions. As the need for dental services increases with an aging population, the demand for dental hygienists is expected to rise.

'I'm never bored'

Managing uncooperative or nervous patients is the most challenging aspect of working in the dental field, as many individuals struggle with dental anxiety or fear.

Quezada jokes that she's tried to alleviate negative emotions by transforming dental cleanings into "spa treatments," such as hiding an oil diffuser in the office, offering patients a warm blanket, or playing soothing music in the background.

Quezada finds working in the dental field thrilling and keeps her busy; although she is still a licensed dental hygienist, she has recently taken on additional duties at PDS, including serving as a professional development coach and a specialty regional director, her current job title.

Since 2021, Quezada has been in charge of mentoring new hygienists and managing nearly 30 dental offices in the southwest United States, ensuring their smooth daily operations and incorporating new technologies such as oral DNA and saliva screening into their practice.

"I love wearing hats, even though I wear a lot of them," she says. "Working with so many people and learning so many different things keeps me from getting bored."

As a hygienist, Quezada has found the flexibility of working in the dental field to be one of the greatest benefits. Now, she works four days a week and has the freedom to choose her own hours and adjust her schedule as needed. Additionally, she can work from home 1-2 days per week.

""As a mom of two, I have the flexibility to adjust my meetings and be present for my son's class events or presentations at school, which is a freedom I don't believe I would have in many other professions," Quezada states."

Her flexibility has enabled her to pursue her passion for fitness and take on a part-time spin instructor job.

She expresses her deep love for it and is thankful for her job that aligns with her passion.

Quezada is thrilled about the advancements in dentistry and the prospects it presents, particularly for individuals who do not envision obtaining a four-year degree.

"According to Quezada, being a hygienist is a dynamic and rewarding career with high demand in the market, offering limitless earning potential and numerous opportunities."

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