Fourteen students recently graduated from the Penn Foster Dental Assistant Training Program, a collaborative effort between the Northern Marianas College Area Health Education Center (NMC-AHEC), the NMC Center for Training and Innovation (CTI), the College of Micronesia–FSM’s Doctors and Dentists for Tomorrow program, and Penn Foster.
The comprehensive online training program provided participants with a well-rounded curriculum covering dental anatomy, radiography, infection control, chairside assisting, dental materials, office management, pharmacology and patient care. With both academic knowledge and practical skills, graduates are now prepared to serve as valuable members of the dental healthcare workforce.
Erica Davis, associate director and program lead at the Hawai‘i Area Health Education Center, extended her congratulations.
“Your hard work, determination and commitment have brought you to this important milestone, and we could not be prouder of your accomplishments,” Davis said. “Your success is a testament to your perseverance and passion for making a difference in your communities. As you move forward, remember that you are more than graduates—you are the next generation of healthcare professionals who will improve access to quality dental care in the Pacific and beyond.”
For many participants, the program was both a professional and personal journey.
Lynette G. Cabrera, a program graduate and full-time dental assistant at the CHCC Oral Health Clinic, said it was challenging but rewarding.
“As a proud mother of three boys, balancing work, studies and family life has been challenging but rewarding,” Cabrera said. “My passion for dentistry and desire to provide the highest quality care to patients motivated me to pursue this program. I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited about the doors this training will open.”
Fellow graduate Raquel Naomi Villagomez Seman echoed similar sentiments.
“As a wife, mother of five and a dental assistant for six years, joining this program allowed me to further expand my knowledge and skills. Balancing family and career has taught me dedication and patience, and I look forward to giving back to my community through my continued work in oral healthcare.”
Graduate Bonnie Bernice S.N. Borja brought a unique perspective to the cohort, drawing on her prior service in the U.S. Army, where she worked as a preventive dentistry specialist, oral surgery technician and dental assistant. Today, she serves as director of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs in Tinian but chose to return to the dental field through this program.
“After being away from the dental field for 10 years, I wanted to refresh my skills and reconnect with a profession I truly care about,” Borja said. “My Army experience gave me a strong foundation in patient care, oral health education and surgical support, and this program has reignited my passion for dentistry. Helping people, whether by easing their pain or simply improving their smile, is one of the most rewarding things I can do.”
Les Ogumoro-Uludong, director of the Northern Marianas College Area Health Education Center, emphasized the program’s broader impact.
“These graduates represent a growing movement to strengthen healthcare capacity in our islands,” Ogumoro-Uludong said. “By investing in training programs like this, we are not only providing individuals with opportunities to grow but also addressing critical workforce needs in the region. We are proud to support them as they begin the next chapter of their careers.”
The Penn Foster Dental Assistant Training Program marks an important step in expanding access to oral healthcare and building a stronger network of dental professionals across the Pacific. Through NMC’s Area Health Education Center and Center for Training and Innovation, the college is helping to strengthen the region’s healthcare workforce by providing quality training opportunities that prepare graduates to serve their communities with skill, compassion and professionalism.
For more information, contact NMC-AHEC or NMC-CTI at (670) 237-9203 or (670) 237-6802, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..