Oceanside Mother of Three Finds New Purpose Through Dental Assistant Scholarship
For Monica Sengendo, a mother of three and Dental Assistant (DA) student at UEI College in Oceanside, the decision to return to school was more than a career move, it was a chance to reclaim her passion for dentistry and build a brighter future for her family. That path recently became a little easier when she was awarded the Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship from the Pacific Dental Services Foundation (PDSF), an honor that she calls “life changing.”
Before moving to the United States in 2019, Monica lived in Uganda, where she first gained hands-on experience in dental assisting. Trained on the job, she developed a love for dentistry’s unique combination of technical skills and human connection.
“I liked how you interact with people, how you make friends, and how patients become part of your life,” Monica explained. “You see them for years, and they feel like family.”
After the birth of her first daughter, Monica chose to pause her career to become a stay-at-home mother. When she moved to California with her husband, a longtime Carlsbad resident, Monica again devoted herself to raising her children. But in 2024, she decided it was time to return to her passion.
“I was looking for a career and I thought about nursing at first,” she said. “But then I realized my heart was still in dental. That’s when I started asking around during my kids’ dental appointments, and several dental assistants told me about UEI College. They had all studied there. That’s how I found my way.”
With three children, Monica knew balancing school and family wouldn’t be easy. But UEI’s evening program offered the flexibility she needed. Her husband watches the kids while she attends evening labs, allowing her to pursue her goals without sacrificing family time.
“Monica has shown tremendous determination throughout her time in the program,” said Jaclyn Marquez, Executive Director at UEI College Oceanside. “She balances her role as a mother of three with her studies and still brings such positivity and focus to the classroom. Her passion for dental assisting is evident. This scholarship is a well-deserved recognition of her hard work, and I know she will make a lasting impact in the field.”
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A Scholarship That Changed Everything
The Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship was created by the Pacific Dental Services Foundation to support dental assistant students with need-based financial aid, mentorship, and opportunities for on-the-job training. Named after Dr. Carolyn Ghazal, who is widely recognized for her commitment to service and mentorship, the scholarship helps students who show deep passion for the field of dentistry. Since its creation, PDSF has awarded over $1.9 million in scholarships to more than 360 dental assistant students nationwide.
The opportunity to receive the Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship came through a fellow student, who encouraged Monica to apply. With the support of UEI staff, Monica completed her application, submitted recommendations, and advanced through multiple interviews.
When she learned she had been selected, the relief was overwhelming.
“I’m super grateful to them for believing in me,” Monica said. “This scholarship takes away so much financial stress. Now I can focus on my externship and not worry. It’s such a blessing.”
Monica sees the scholarship not just as financial aid, but as a sign of confidence in her potential.
“There are so many people who deserve help, and I feel so lucky that I was chosen,” she said. “I’ll forever be grateful to PDSF for giving me this chance.”
“Monica’s journey shows the power of determination,” said Michael Le, Executive Director of the Pacific Dental Services Foundation. Our role is to invest in that drive and help open doors so students like her can turn passion into a lasting career in dentistry.”
Now just weeks away from completing her program, Monica is eager to begin her externship and eventually work in a dental office, where she hopes to continue building meaningful relationships with patients. She said she is ready to turn her training into a long-term career, but it’s more than just a job, she said. It’s a way to serve her community, support her family, and honor the profession she first fell in love with back in Uganda.
“This means I can give my kids a better life and focus on building a future I’m proud of,” she said. “I am very grateful.”
