Dental hygiene graduate student follows heart for teaching others at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry

Kristen Valenzuela, RDH, BSDH, had the honor of treating her grandfather, a Vietnam War veteran, during Give Vets a Smile at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry. (Photo courtesy of Kristen Valenzuela)

Kristen Valenzuela, RDH, BSDH, is a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene candidate at UTHealth Houston. (Photo courtesy of Kristen Valenzuela)

Kirsten Valenzuela, RDH, BSDH, was named the recipient of two scholarship awards from the American Dental Education Association. (Photo courtesy of ADEA)

Kristen Valenzuela, RDH, BSDH, a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene candidate at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, has a heart for teaching others that made an impact closer to home when she convinced her reluctant grandfather, a Vietnam War veteran, to visit Give Vets a Smile and, in addition to a cleaning, get his dentures properly fitted.

“I think their generation was fearful of the dentist,” Kristen said of her grandparents. “It took a lot of convincing, but afterward he said, ‘This wasn’t as bad as I thought.’ It was a rewarding experience for me.”

Kristen comes from a family of public servants. With an aunt who works for the YMCA and another who is a principal at an elementary school, she has many opportunities to give back. She gives oral health care presentations and speaks at career days because she feels it is important for children to see different career paths they can take.

“For many, it’s their first exposure to oral health care,” she says. “I’m able to implement these great experiences that will make them want to seek dental care.”

Growing up, she loved going to the dentist because of her positive exposure to oral health care, thanks to her aunt who has been a dental hygienist for more than 30 years. Understanding the importance of this early exposure, Kristen developed a passion for pediatric and special needs oral health care.

This passion to teach is what led her to pursue her Master of Science in Dental Hygiene after three years in private practice, so she could teach a new generation of dental hygienists.

Last month, Kristen was named the 2024 recipient of two separate scholarship awards from the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). She was presented with the ADEA/Crest Oral-B Scholarship for Dental Hygiene Students Pursuing Academic Careers and the ADEA/Sigma Phi Alpha Linda DeVore Scholarship.

“Kristen is a self-directed, compassionate, and hardworking individual,” said Victoria Patrounova, RDH, MHA, director of the Dental Hygiene Program. “At the beginning of the pandemic, she started making masks for health care and front-line workers. It was not a surprise that Kristen was awarded multiple scholarships, including HDA Foundation, Texas Dental Hygienists Association, Houston HDA, and Carus Dental Endowment for her outstanding academics, community service, and compassionate care.”

Just as Kristen’s family ignited her career path, so they continue to inspire her as she pursues her master’s degree.

“I was able to bring my family to the school that has given me so much,” she said. “My grandpa can eat foods now that he couldn’t before. He smiles in pictures. It’s been amazing to see.”