As she honors her grandfather’s memory, Student Doctor Ale Gonzalez prepares to fulfill her lifelong desire to help those in need as a member of our inaugural School of Dental Medicine class.
By Ale Gonzalez, PNWU-SDM Class of 2029
My journey towards dentistry has been anything but straightforward.
My initial foray into the medical field was sparked by a deeply personal loss — the passing of my role model and grandfather, Grandpa Nestor. His memory was the driving force behind my initial desire to become a physician.
My final words to him, assuring him I would become a physician, still ring in the back of my mind to this day.
As I advanced in my education, I came to realize that my pursuit of medicine was largely motivated by a desire to honor this promise. The fear of failing to fulfill my promise to my grandfather troubled me deeply.
“I discovered that my promise wasn’t just about becoming a physician: it was a commitment to help another fellow human and impact their life for the better, just like my grandfather would.”
In time, I discovered that my promise wasn’t just about becoming a physician: it was a commitment to help another fellow human and impact their life for the better, just like my grandfather would.
This revelation allowed me to reflect on the pivotal experiences that confirmed my true calling: dentistry.
I was immersed in the dental field from a young age. My mother began working as a dental assistant while I was in elementary school and later pursued a dental hygiene program after my younger brother was born. By the time I reached high school, she encouraged me to consider a career in dentistry. However, still motivated by my grandfather’s passing, I was not completely sold.
Despite my doubts, I completed my undergraduate studies and began the application process. It was not until I entered my master’s program that my interest in dentistry was rekindled.
While pursuing my master’s degree, I had the opportunity to listen and learn about the School of Dental Medicine being developed at PNWU. For the first time, I felt genuinely engaged with the material. I related it to my own experiences, reminded me of the impact of those in the dental field.
One of the most influential moments of my childhood was the removal of my braces. Having struggled with an underbite my whole life, I required braces on two separate occasions — once from fifth grade through middle school, and again during high school.
My smile had always been a source of insecurity, and experiencing the impact of my orthodontist’s work on my self-esteem was profoundly moving.
“I remember crying tears of joy when my braces were finally removed, overwhelmed by the realization that I now had a smile that resembled those of my peers.”
I remember crying tears of joy when my braces were finally removed, overwhelmed by the realization that I now had a smile that resembled those of my peers. This personal experience underscored the significant role that dentistry can play in enhancing individuals’ lives, not only through my own transformation but also through the positive changes experienced by those around me.
During my master’s program, I worked on a research project under Dr. Fotinos Panagakos, Dean of PNWU’s School of Dental Medicine, assessing the oral health needs of the population at Camp Hope. I was reminded that oral health is sometimes viewed as a luxury and not given the importance to entire systemic health it warrants. This experience ignited my interest in addressing the oral health needs of the broader community.
Another key aspect in my journey has been hearing stories from my immigrant grandparents about the language barriers they faced, and from patients at Neighborhood Health who struggled to access dental care due to financial constraints.
“As a bilingual Latina from Yakima’s Lower Valley, I could play a crucial role in addressing these challenges.”
These perspectives illuminated the disparities within our community, and made me understand that, as a bilingual Latina from Yakima’s Lower Valley, I could play a crucial role in addressing these challenges in the dental field and, in turn, address the issues it poses to whole systemic health.
Reflecting on my youth, I recall the difficulties my grandparents faced in obtaining and understanding dental care. Those memories have fueled a persistent sense of frustration throughout my adult life.
While shadowing dentists, I observed a need for bilingual professionals who can bridge language gaps and provide educational support. Many Spanish-speaking patients struggle to understand their care or how important it is to their systemic health. This need has solidified my commitment to preventative dentistry and serving underserved populations in rural areas.
As a future general dentist, I aspire to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish and to advocate for my patients. My goal is to return to my community and contribute to the community, bridging the cultural divide and making a meaningful impact on my patients as well as their oral and systemic health.
I am confident that by pursuing this path, I will honor my grandfather’s memory as well as fulfill my lifelong desire to help those in need.
