After graduating from Stautzenberger College’s Dental Assisting program in early 2026, Masie Triplett entered a challenging job market. But she wasn’t alone. As she submitted applications, she was reminded by the Stautzenberger Career Services department of the powerful team behind her.
Even when she stopped by campus to pick up her cap and gown, Career Services director Rob Garver asked about her search and immediately began identifying additional opportunities.
“He said, ‘We’re not giving up on you,’” Masie recalls. “Everyone you meet wants to help you.”
That support helped her move forward through the uncertainty of the job search.
“We’re not giving up on you,” Masie remembers Career Services telling her. “We’re going to help you get where you need to go.”
A Pivot From Paycheck to Paycheck
Before enrolling at Stautzenberger, Masie worked as a hairstylist and caregiver. A natural caretaker and people person, Masie excelled at these roles, but they did not provide the stability or long-term growth she wanted. Economics were another major factor: uneven workloads meant she was often living paycheck-to-paycheck, treading water, depending on the schedules of her clients.
“I wanted growth for myself,” she says. “I felt stuck, and I knew I needed a major change.”
A close friend who had graduated from Stautzenberger helped her request information about dental assisting. The college quickly responded, and before long, Masie was enrolled.
She describes her decision simply: “I love the decision I made.”
Turning Existing Talents Into New Skills
Dental assisting allowed Masie to build upon abilities she already possessed. Dexterity, empathy, and caregiving were all skills she had organically practiced in her previous jobs. And the hands-on training at Stautzenberger gave her the confidence this was the right path for her.
“Actually doing it sticks in my brain more,” she explains.
During her training, Masie practiced creating dental molds, shaping materials, and fitting artificial teeth. “It felt creative, like art,” she says. “I like working with my hands, so dental assisting felt right.”
Her instructors, Amanda and Julie, helped finetune skills and confidence in the classroom. They demonstrated skills repeatedly, answered questions, and provided individual support.
“My teachers were amazing,” she says. “Even if something takes 20 times for you to understand, they’ll show you over and over again. You can tell they love what they do, and they don’t give up on you.”
Hands-On Learning to Build Confidence and Skills
A core requirement for career-training programs at Stautzenberger is an externship, where students get the hands-on skills they need in a professional setting. Stautzenberger helps place students in externships. Masie completed her externship at Laskey Dental Care in Toledo, where she experienced the daily rhythm of a professional dental office.
“They taught me, they trusted me, and they made me feel like I belonged,” Masie says. “They really left their mark on me.”
She was particularly inspired by the care the team showed its patients and one another. The experience showed what skilled, compassionate care looked like, and Maisie was excited to bring that to her future career. She was also exposed to different skillsets and paths, and is interested in orthodontics in the future.
One Life-Changing Course
With her new position at Aspen Dental, Masie is excited to put her training to work, and inspire others who may be at their own career crossroads.
“Dental assisting school changed my life,” she says. “It made me a better version of myself. I’m thriving.”
And while school and looking for a job wasn’t always easy, it was worth it.
Keep Pushing
Masie’s success did not come from waiting for everything to fall perfectly into place. It came from recognizing that she needed a change, taking the first step, asking for help, and continuing even when the outcome was uncertain.
Her advice reflects the lesson she lived herself:
“Don’t give up. Nothing is just handed to you. You have to go get it,” she says. “Put in the effort, ask for help, and keep pushing. You’ll get there.”
Learn more about the Dental Assisting program at Stautzenberger College and discover how hands-on training can help you prepare for a career in dental healthcare.