“I wouldn’t be anywhere else, but teaching at CNC.”

Georgina Jones will always remember the young patient who was sad to see her leave the dentist’s office behind so she could take up teaching at the College of New Caledonia.

“Who’s going to clean my teeth?” the child asked.

But after years of working as a certified dental assistant at various practices around the south coast and Lower Mainland, Jones was about to embark on another journey. One where she could continue to learn and share, while mentoring students about the profession she loves.

That was nine years ago, when Jones came north and joined CNC’s dental assisting faculty as an instructor.

It was a decision she’ll never regret.

At March’s annual Pacific Dental Association Conference in Vancouver, Jones was recognized for her work by the Certified Dental Assistant Association of B.C. and received the distinguished service award for her dedication.

The association promotes the work of dental assistants throughout the province. Jones has served as a board member and vice-president , which adds up to about 20 volunteer hours a month. She is currently involved on a number of committees in the organization.

A lot has changed since Jones earned her dental assistant certificate at Vancouver Island University (formerly Malaspina College) in Nanaimo in 1972, the second class ever of certified dental assistants in B.C.

A dental assistant’s role in a general practice involves doing a number of procedures, such as applying dental dams, putting liners under fillings, taking X-rays, and applying fluoride. They are the nucleus of the dentist’s office.

They can work at practices throughout Canada, as long as they’ve written the national board exam.

There is plenty of opportunity for dental assistants to expand into other roles, such as public health, teaching and working for supply companies.

At college in 1972, Jones only learned six core skills. That’s compared to 21 core skills CNC students learn today.

Stretching over 10 months, CNC’s program is intense, but it works.

When they graduate, students score 20 per cent above the national average on their national board exam.

“CNC is absolutely phenomenal in the students they graduate,” Jones said.

“They are very well-prepared and are very high-end entry level graduates.”

That’s due in part to having one of the best student to instructor ratios at 8-to-1 in the province. They also get more chair time working with patients, which leads to better clinical preparation.

At CNC, the dental assistant faculty and students work collaboratively with dental hygiene students and faculty, something that’s unheard of and envied across the province.

When Jones arrived at CNC, it didn’t take her long to embrace what was going on in a nurturing environment, one that also includes fellow instructors Kathy Rodall and Heather Brown.

Even after all these years, Jones is still learning.

“I will never get bored,” she said.

“Every day is a new day with different students and patients. I love my job. I’ve always liked working with people and teaching allows me to continue working with them. I help them gather the knowledge I have and share the excitement.

“I wouldn’t be anywhere else, but teaching at CNC.”