I’m Vanessa Santacruz, a bilingual dental professional originally from Colombia. I’ve spent the past decade as a lead dental assistant, where I developed a strong passion for enhancing patient care through education and empathy. My experience ranges from performing complex dental procedures to fostering a welcoming environment for patients of all ages, particularly those with dental anxiety.I’m currently pursuing my Doctor of Dental Medicine at Midwestern University, where I’ve had the opportunity to serve as a class representative and tutor. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on optimizing workflows and ensuring efficient operations in the dental practice, which has led to increased patient satisfaction and improved team performance.Outside of work and school, I’m committed to giving back to the community and have volunteered at various healthcare events. In my free time, I enjoy salsa dancing, cooking, and exploring the outdoors. I’m excited about the opportunity to further my career in dentistry and continue making a positive impact in patients' lives.