Today we’d like to introduce you to Latrice Foster.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Latrice. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When choosing a career path, I can vividly remember stated I’d never do two things: teach or work with children. It’s funny how life has a way of making you eat your words. I am a graduate of the Mecca, Howard University. Twice! From college and from dental school. In between, I earned a public health degree from Tulane University School of Public Health. What I gained most from attending an HBCU I s that representation and diversity matter and my experience in public health school helped me realize that I work best where there is a need.
So, ultimately, I ended up both working with kids and teaching! I’ve owned Say Ahhh! Pediatric Dentistry for the past nine years and I’m grateful that God has blessed me to sustain a successful dental practice one endeavor and start another endeavor in opening Houston Pediatric Dental Assistant School. I am a Pediatric Dentist by trade but as much I love dentistry, I always felt like I could do more. When I was dental school, I was a recipient of a prestigious award that encouraged me to become a dental educator. Although I have yet to become dental school faculty, I figured HPDAS is my way of fulfilling my commitment to academics. I’ve always been a part of some sort of mentoring program: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Partnership for the Future, and young ladies in my hometown. I ended up doing the same for staff members in the office. We’ve always hired externs and taught them in depth about pediatric dentistry and entrepreneurship. It’s rewarding to see former and current team members develop business models and pursue their dreams. I realized if I could teach staffers, why not develop a curriculum and open a school for those interested in pursuing a career in dentistry. That way, we’d have a formal platform to really pour into students. Pediatrics is a specialty of dentistry, so the tools required to work with kids aren’t explored in-depth in a typical dental assisting program and I was able to open the first school in Houston that does!
Working with kids is unique. It poses a great challenge but is a huge honor. You have the ability to shape their perception of health care workers and it’s always great for minority kids to see people who look like them working in the field. I grew up in New Orleans, LA. New Orleans is definitely a city with a strong sense of community. I carry that sense of community with me wherever I go, including my dental practice and my school. If you are a part of the patient-care-staff team, then you are family. And family figures out how to get you the resources you need. If you are a student of our school, we help you obtain an externship where you are actually going to learn the skill sets you need to be great and our team will remain in contact with you after you graduate. The end goal, is to help offices gain competent staff members and help students develop into a sustainable workforce.
I opened Houston Pediatric Dental Assistant School in 2019 and we’ve recently graduated our first class. We offer an 11-week hands program which includes a 40-hour externship, CPR class, and access to take the test to become a licensed dental assistant. Our classes are on Saturdays only so if you are currently employed you can manage both work and school. Upon completion of the program, students can apply for jobs in both adult and pediatric dental offices. Completing our program gives then the bonus of having a specialty skill set. We offer payment plans which is a plus because some dental assistant programs are rivaling the cost of four-year university education. I don’t want to see students go into debt to enter the dental profession.
Laury, our school’s Administrative Assistant, says that I’m one of few Black women Dental Assistant school owners. I’m not very sure about that, but I can say that we are Houston’s only Pediatric Dental Assistant program and that’s something I’m quite proud of!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Well, having to go through four years college, then four years of dental school, two years of Pediatric Dental residency and then opening not one, but, two businesses is scary. But it’s important to keep the faith and a community of mentors to help encourage you along the way. Even continuing to operate in the midst of a pandemic is concerning, but I do not believe that God has brought me this far to leave me now.
Houston Pediatric Dental Assistant School – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist. Pediatric dentists treat a range of common and complex oral health issues in their young patients. For instance, they fill cavities, remove teeth, fix broken teeth and treat sensitive teeth. They administer anesthetics for certain procedures, they write prescriptions for antibiotics and other medications and they identify instances in which orthodontic or surgical work is necessary or advisable. For instance, pediatric dentists identify when teeth need to be straightened and refer patients to orthodontists or treat some of those issues directly. We also manage kids who have special health care needs. For more complex cases, we often have hospital privileges at nearby hospitals and manage kids there as well. I’m on staff at Texas Children’s Hospital-West Campus. I am a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist. Board-Certification is the highest honor a Doctor can receive in their area of expertise.
I direct Houston Pediatric Dental Assistant School to train students to gain jobs in dentistry, including pediatric dentistry. Most dental assisting schools don’t offer specialized education that equips students to work with a pediatric dentist. HPDAS is Houston’s first program that’s specialized.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Listened to my mom. About just about everything. Wisdom is a gift.
Honestly, I believe the African proverb that states “Never despise a bridge that safely crosses you over.” There have been obstacles. Really tough hurdles, but I made it and I’m walking another mile now. So, I wouldn’t change a thing.
Pricing:
- $3850 Tuition: 11 week Hands-On Dental Assisting Program (incl Tuition, Books, CPR, Uniform, Supplies, State Exam Cost)
Contact Info:
- Address: 8945 Highway 6 North, Ste 250, Houston, TX 77095
- Website: www.houstonpdas.com
- Phone: 281-941-8015
- Email: admissions@houstonpdas.com
- Instagram: houston_pdas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonPDAS/
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