Inspired by Care: Student Finds Her Calling in Dental Hygiene

By Lily Dohmen

A trip to the dentist can be a stressful experience.

For first-year University of Nebraska Medical Center student Alyssa Empfield, it was the first step on a lifelong journey. Raised in Grand Island, Nebraska, Alyssa’s interest in dental hygiene sparked early on thanks to the kindness and professionalism of her dental hygienist.

“I always enjoyed getting my teeth cleaned, but it wasn’t just about the cleaning,” she said. “It was how my hygienist made me feel comfortable and at ease during the process. She really made the experience enjoyable.”

The relationship with her dental hygienist planted the seed for Alyssa’s future career. It wasn’t long before she reached out to her dental hygienist to learn more about the profession.

Those calls eventually led to an opportunity to begin shadowing her dental hygienist. That firsthand experience solidified Alyssa’s decision to pursue a similar career path. 

“Once I shadowed her, I knew it was something I wanted to do,” she said.

Alyssa’s pursuit of a career in dental hygiene began when she enrolled at Peru State College. While at Peru State, Alyssa met a professor with strong ties to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. They encouraged her to tour the campus and consider attending the school.  

Now, as a full-time student in UNMC’s dental hygiene program, Alyssa’s days are packed. She was able to attend UNMC after receiving a scholarship through the UNMC Student Scholarship Fund.

“We are in class Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” she said. “It’s like a full-time job and there is no time for anything else.”

A busy schedule makes it nearly impossible for Alyssa to take on part-time work while balancing her academic and clinical responsibilities. That is where scholarship support becomes invaluable.

Looking toward the future, Alyssa has a clear vision. She wants to provide exceptional care to her patients, especially those who may feel nervous or anxious about dental visits. The same care and compassion that her dental hygienist showed her years ago is what drives her to give back in the same way.

“I’m really grateful for all the support I’ve had, whether it’s been from my family, my professors, or the financial help through scholarships,” Alyssa said. “It makes all the difference in being able to keep my eyes on the prize and do what I love. Dental hygiene isn’t just a career for me — it’s a chance to make a positive impact on people’s lives.”