Conversations with the Inspiring Nayeli Vega

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nayeli Vega.

Nayeli, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My interest in dentistry began when I was around ten years old at a routine dental cleaning visit. My Hygienist was always very amicable and made me feel at ease in the dental chair. As I grew up, I became especially interested in beautiful smiles and all things dental related. I knew that I wanted a career in the Dental field. After I graduated from high school in Texas, I completed a Dental Assisting program and began to work as an Orthodontic Assistant. I was an Orthodontic Assistant for four years and enjoyed every moment of it. Seeing the smile of my patient, who used to hate and hide their smile, to love their new smile was the best reward.

In the summer of 2016, my husband received a job position as a Software Engineer in Denver and we decided to leave Texas and move to the beautiful state of Colorado. It has been three years since, and we absolutely love Colorado and all the amazing opportunities it has provided for us both. Amongst one of those opportunities has been Dental Hygiene School! I’ve always known that Dental Hygiene is my true calling and I am currently making this dream a reality. I am super excited to finally graduate in a couple of months, December 2019 to be exact.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was born in México and moved to Texas when I was five years old. Learning a new language and adapting to a different culture was sometimes very complicated. I was the first in my family to graduate and attend college, therefore I didn’t have anyone close to me to guide me through the process or answer my questions. However, my family has been my biggest support system. Hygiene school by far has been one of the hardest things that I have committed to. Being critiqued, graded, and clinically observed every step of the way is mentally exhausting. The program is fast-paced, rigorous and academically demanding. Making a difference in my patient’s oral health and helping them overcome their dental fears makes me feel extremely proud of my accomplishments.

What should we know about Future Dental Hygienist? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am currently a full-time Hygiene student and focusing on completing as many patient competencies and evaluations as humanly possible. I love to spend time outdoors with my husband and my fur baby Bella! I love traveling to new places and soaking in all the different cultures surrounding me. I absolutely enjoy volunteering any chance I get, it truly fills my heart. Once graduated, I plan on traveling to remote communities around the world to provide dental care to as many underserved children as possible. Volunteering has a special place in my heart.

Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I have been so fortunate to encounter so many colleagues in the dental field that have always been willing to share their knowledge and experience with me. Asking a ton of questions about anything and everything has always worked for me. Social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram are great ways to meet and interact with individuals that share the same interests both locally and globally.

Contact Info:

• Email: nayelir0813@gmail.com
• Instagram: @nayeli_rdh

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