When Fan Zhang enrolled in the Dental Assisting program at Washtenaw Community College, she was seeking the skills and confidence necessary to launch a healthcare career.
What she discovered was even more impactful: a supportive community that continues to empower her well beyond graduation.
Today, the Ann Arbor resident works as a surgical assistant at Michigan Oral Surgeons, the same practice where she completed one of her clinical rotations during her final semester at WCC.
Just two months after graduating from WCC with high honors (3.8+ GPA) in 2025, Zhang passed her Registered Dental Assistant Examination and quickly transitioned into her new role.
Zhang applauds the program’s ability to prepare students for the real-world demands of dental practice with extensive hands-on training, access to modern lab equipment and clinical rotations. She said completing rotations across multiple offices gave her invaluable experience with diverse procedures, technologies and workplace settings before entering the workforce.
"Fortunately, I had been exposed to all these variations during the Washtenaw Community College program, so when I began my clinical rotations, none of the procedures felt unfamiliar to me," Zhang said.
That real-world preparation gave her the confidence to excel on her certification exam and transition smoothly into her career.
"The most unforgettable part of the program was my four instructors," Zhang said. "They were not only highly professional and knowledgeable, but also constantly encouraged, guided and supported me throughout every single day of learning."
One lesson, in particular, has stayed with her. Faculty member Jodi Neuman often reminded students that "No question is a stupid question." As someone who describes herself as naturally shy, Zhang said that classroom culture gave her the confidence to ask questions and challenge herself.
"I learned from them; I grew up because of them," Zhang said. "Without my four instructors, I would not be who I am today."
Zhang says the program continues to pay off in her career. Co-workers regularly recognize her hard work, and she is now preparing to expand her expertise by taking the Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination.
Earlier this year, Zhang even returned to WCC alongside a surgeon from her practice to speak with current Dental Assisting students about her career journey.
"It felt like a homecoming," she said.
For Zhang, WCC was more than a place to earn a credential—it transformed her from a student into a confident healthcare professional.
It remains a place she will always consider home.
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This story appeared in the Fall 2026 edition of Launch magazine. See the full publication.
Tags: 60 Stories, 60th Anniversary, Alumni Profile, Dental Assisting