While many children dread a trip to the dentist, Rachel Watts was the exception. From an early age, she found dental visits not just tolerable, but fun. Those early positive experiences planted the seeds for a future career filled with purpose.
“I enjoyed going to the dentist growing up. I thought it was fun,” Rachel recalls. “It was a really good experience. And my mom always inspired me to take good care of my teeth.”
As she began exploring college options, Rachel found herself reflecting on how those early visits shaped her view of oral health—and sparked an interest in helping others. That’s when the idea of becoming a dental hygienist took hold.
“I realized that dental health is really about education - about taking care of yourself and being preventative,” she says.
Before committing to a dental career, Rachel wanted to be sure it was the right fit. To gain firsthand experience, she interned at a local dental office and took the time to connect with practicing dental hygienists.
“I interned at an office close to me and had the chance to observe and talk with other dental hygienists,” she says. “That’s when I confirmed this was the path I wanted to take.”
Once Rachel knew dental hygiene was the right path, she set her sights on earning her degree, but the journey wasn’t without its challenges. To make it all work, she enrolled at DVC part-time while working part-time to fund her education.
“Money was a concern - it costs money to get started in the program,” she explains. “We have a lot of equipment we need to buy. But the dental hygiene program at DVC is much more affordable compared to private programs, which made a big difference for me.”
In addition to managing finances and a work schedule, Rachel found the program's academic demands to be intense and, at times, overwhelming.
“It was very rigorous and took two years to complete,” she says. “And before I could even be accepted to the dental hygiene program, I had to finish a series of prerequisite courses.”
Looking back, Rachel says the dental hygiene program challenged her in ways she never anticipated—but it also shaped her into the professional she is today. She’s especially grateful for the camaraderie and mutual support among her classmates, which helped her stay motivated during the most demanding times.
“There were so many great people going through it with me,” she recalls. “We all helped each other out. We built close bonds that really made a difference.”
Rachel also credits professor Pam Powers for playing a pivotal role in her academic journey.
“She was incredibly helpful and engaging during lectures,” says Rachel. “I have fond memories of her and many of the other staff in the program.”
In recognition of her dedication and leadership as a student, Rachel was honored with the Student Leadership Award at the program’s pinning ceremony—a meaningful tradition held after graduation to celebrate each student's accomplishments.
“It was a really special event with all of our families there, and our instructors presented us with different awards and recognitions,” Rachel says. “Being selected by my classmates for the Student Leadership Award meant a lot to me. It was a really nice honor.”
After earning an Associate in Science degree in Dental Hygiene from DVC, Rachel hit the ground running. She spent 10 years working as a dental hygienist before earning an additional license as an Alternative Practice Hygienist—an achievement that opened the door to her next chapter.
Today, she runs her own mobile dental hygiene practice in the East Bay, providing in-home care to underserved and often overlooked populations. She sees patients in their homes, in nursing facilities and at Smyle Essentials, a Hayward-based practice co-owned by her DVC classmates Stephanie Gordillo and Cynthia Dillon.
“I see patients who are low-income, have Medi-Cal, or face barriers to traditional dental care,” Rachel explains. “Many of my clients are part of the Regional Center of the East Bay and have developmental disabilities. Some are completely homebound, and for others, visiting a dentist's office can be traumatic due to sensory sensitivities.”
Through her mobile practice, Rachel offers preventive care—like cleanings and X-rays—in environments where patients feel safe and comfortable. Her work not only promotes oral health but also ensures greater access and dignity for those who need it most.
Rachel doesn’t do it alone—her husband, Daniel, is an essential part of her mobile operation. He accompanies her to appointments, helping her transport heavy equipment, assists with charting, and even supports patients during treatment.
“He’s the backbone of my traveling office,” Rachel says. “Some of my patients have disabilities that make it hard for them to sit still. Daniel helps hold their heads steady or provides whatever support is needed. I couldn’t do this work the same way without him.”
On a typical day, Rachel might see three to four patients—a full schedule when traveling between centers across the Bay Area. Though the work can be physically demanding, she finds it deeply fulfilling.
“It’s very rewarding,” she says. “I’m able to bring care directly to people who really need it, and that makes all the effort worthwhile.”
Rachel’s journey is a testament to resilience, collaboration and a deep commitment to service—qualities she continues to embody through her work in the community every day.
“DVC has a great program that offers the flexibility of both in-person and online coursework, which really helped me balance school with work. The teachers are wonderful and the campus has a great feel—it’s not too big, not too small. DVC had all the classes I needed to complete my degree and launch my career in dental hygiene.”
What does Rachel want to share with prospective students considering DVC’s dental hygiene program?
“I highly recommend interning,” Rachel shares. “If a student is thinking, ‘Hey, I might want to go into this industry,’ then do it. Internships really open your eyes to what the job is actually like—beyond what you might expect.”
Learn more about DVC's dental hygiene degree program!
