A Yakima Valley mother pursues her dream to bring compassionate care home.
Student Doctor Alexa Batten joined PNWU’s inaugural class of Doctors of Dental Medicine with a sense of gratitude and determination.
For Alexa, the decision to pursue dentistry was deeply rooted in her Yakima upbringing and her commitment to family. A graduate of Eisenhower High School, she met her husband there and built a life in the Yakima Valley, where they are now raising three children. When PNWU announced the opening of its dental school, Alexa saw an opportunity that felt almost miraculous. It allowed her to chase her dream without uprooting her family or sacrificing the stability they had worked so hard to build.
“Conveniently, PNWU opened up their own dental school so I was able to achieve my dream to become a dentist without putting any excess hardship on my family,” she said. “My husband didn’t need to find a new job, my kids can keep going to the school their friends are at, and we have our support system close by.”
Alexa’s journey to dentistry is shaped by her own experiences growing up in a Hispanic household with financial struggles. She vividly recalls translating for her parents during medical visits, bridging the language gap between providers and her family. These moments left a lasting impression, revealing the barriers that many Yakima families face when seeking care. Alexa’s goal is to break those barriers, both linguistic and financial, by becoming a provider who understands her patients’ challenges firsthand.
“Growing up poor in a Hispanic household I have experienced firsthand the struggles that the Hispanic community faces in a rural, underserved community,” she said.
“As a provider born and raised in a rural, underserved community, I will be able to communicate with the Hispanic population and break language barriers so I can better relate to my patients.”
Her time at PNWU has reinforced her commitment to community health. Alexa values the university’s emphasis on interprofessional collaboration, which allows dental students to work alongside students in medicine, physical therapy, and other healthcare professions. These experiences have broadened her perspective and strengthened her ability to provide comprehensive care. She believes that teamwork among healthcare professionals is essential to improving outcomes in underserved areas.
“It truly is an honor to be here with such a diverse, supportive, unique group of individuals that share the same goals,” she said. “I love how this university finds great importance in teaching us and having us participate in interprofessional activities.”
Looking ahead, Alexa envisions opening her own practice where she can accept state insurance, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to care. She hopes to create an environment where patients feel comfortable and safe, free from the fear of pain that often keeps people away from the dentist.
“I hope my patients have a nice, painless experience and don’t hesitate to come into the dental office,” she said.
“At the very least, I hope to be a great provider for my family, friends, and community.”
For Alexa Batten, dentistry is more than a profession—it’s a calling rooted in compassion, resilience, and a deep love for the Yakima Valley. Her story reflects the mission of PNWU and the promise of a brighter, healthier future for rural communities.