Student Chases Childhood Dream in Dentistry at UEI Chula Vista
Since her earliest childhood memories, Isabella Troncoso Medrano has wanted to become a dentist.
Growing up in Mexico, she often spent time at her aunt’s dental office while her mom was at work. Instead of being bored by the sights and sounds of a busy clinic, Isabella found herself fascinated by everything around her.
“It became a huge part of my childhood,” Isabella said. “I just love teeth. I don’t know why. I just love it.”
That early curiosity eventually grew into something much bigger, leading her to make a decision while still a teenager that would shape the direction of her life. At 16, she moved to the U.S. to pursue an education that could eventually lead her to dental school.
Today, Isabella is working toward that goal from multiple directions at once. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology at San Diego State University (SDSU) with an eye toward dental school. At the same time, she is working to complete the Dental Assistant program at UEI College’s Chula Vista campus, which allows her to build hands-on experience in the field she loves before she even graduates from SDSU.
Recently, her dedication earned national recognition when she was selected as a recipient of the Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship from the PDS Health Foundation. The award provides financial support, mentorship, and hands-on opportunities for future leaders in dentistry.
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Chasing Her Dream Across Borders
Although Isabella was born in the U.S., she spent nearly her entire childhood in Mexico. Dentistry had been part of her life from an early age thanks to her aunt’s career, and the more time she spent in the dental office, the more she imagined herself following a similar path.
“It’s the perfect combination of everything I like,” Isabella said. “It’s biology, problem-solving, creativity—everything together.”
Even as a teenager, she began thinking seriously about how she could turn that dream into a career. She eventually realized that studying dentistry in the States could provide more opportunities than she might find elsewhere. So, at 16, Isabella made the bold decision to move with a friend to San Diego.
She initially lived with her friend’s family while finishing high school. Then she enrolled at SDSU, where she is currently working toward her bachelor’s degree. Her long-term goal is set in stone: attend dental school and become a practicing dentist. However, she knew dental school would be a significant financial undertaking following four years of undergraduate studies.
Not to be deterred, Isabella began searching for ways to gain experience in the field while supporting her future education. That search led her to UEI.
“I knew I needed to start saving for dental school,” she said. “But I didn’t want to spend my time working in a restaurant or somewhere unrelated. I wanted to be in the dental field.”
Gaining Experience While Preparing for the Future
Isabella first heard about UEI through a dental assistant she met while shadowing at an office in Chula Vista. The assistant, a graduate of the program herself, recommended it as a way to gain vital hands-on experience. The program’s flexibility also made it possible for Isabella to balance her university coursework at SDSU with her training at UEI.
“The schedule works really well for me,” she said. “The lab days are hands-on, and the online classes allow me to join from wherever I am.”
She says the hands-on training has been one of the most valuable parts of the experience. During lab sessions, students practice the real-world techniques dental assistants use every day, from passing instruments during procedures to assisting dentists during patient care.
“It’s fast-paced, but I love it,” she said. “When you’re there, you’re always practicing and learning something.”
Isabella credits her instructor, Angelica Ivey, with helping bring those lessons to life by sharing real-world insights from her own career.
“She’s very supportive and always sharing stories from when she worked in the field,” Isabella said. “It helps you understand what the job will actually be like.”
While the program requires careful time management alongside her university studies, Isabella says the effort is worth it. To her, becoming a dental assistant is a strategic opportunity to gain experience while preparing for the long journey toward her doctorate.
Earning a Scholarship Along Her Journey
That dedication recently earned her recognition through the Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship, which awards financial support and mentorship to students who demonstrate both a passion for dentistry and a commitment to service. Named after Dr. Carolyn Ghazal for her heart for service, the scholarship is awarded to future leaders in the field. Since its creation, the PDS Health Foundation has awarded over $1.9 million in scholarships to more than 400 students.
“When we invest in students who are driven by their dedication and passion for healthcare, like Isabella, we’re doing more than funding education,” affirmed Carli Casey of the PDS Health Foundation. “This scholarship is an investment in access to care. Every student who receives this scholarship is a direct representation of more patients reached and healthier, happier communities.”
The application process included written materials, multiple interviews, and conversations with dental professionals and scholarship leaders.
“I felt very honored,” Isabella said. “Out of hundreds of applicants, they believed in me and my potential.”
The award will cover a significant portion of her tuition, helping ease the financial pressure as she prepares for dental school. More importantly, Isabella says the recognition reinforced something she sometimes struggles to see herself.
“Sometimes I wonder if all the effort is worth it,” she said. “But when people see your passion and support you like this, it reminds you that you’re on the right path.”
For Isabella, that path leads back to a dental office—the same kind of environment she first fell in love with as a child.
“I can see myself doing this for the rest of my life,” she said. “That’s the goal.”
