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Smyl OC Dentistry Joins Columbus Tustin Middle School for AVID Career Day
Smyl OC Dentistry was honored to visit Columbus Tustin Middle School on May 8, 2026, for an AVID Career Day event at 17952 Beneta Way, Tustin, CA 92780. The visit gave students a chance to learn more about careers in healthcare, dentistry, and the importance of building strong habits for lifelong oral health.
Led by Dr. Nazia Malik, a Boston University trained general dentist, the Smyl OC Dentistry team shared real world insight into what a dental career can look like, how healthcare professionals serve their communities, and why patient education matters.
During the visit, the team also connected with AVID students Logan and Julian, who shared their interest in future careers in healthcare and dentistry. Their curiosity helped create a meaningful conversation about education, career goals, and the value of helping others through patient care.
A Career Day Conversation About Healthcare and Dentistry
Career Day events help students connect classroom learning with real career paths. At Columbus Tustin Middle School, the conversation focused on what it means to work in dentistry and how students can begin thinking about careers in healthcare.
The Smyl OC Dentistry team shared how dental professionals help patients prevent oral health problems, relieve pain, restore confidence, and improve quality of life. Students also learned that dentistry involves much more than treating teeth. It includes listening, educating, planning, and helping patients feel comfortable during care.
The visit was especially meaningful because AVID students, including Logan and Julian, shared their interest in future careers in healthcare and dentistry. Their curiosity helped create a thoughtful discussion about education, career goals, and service to the community.
Inspiring AVID Students to Explore Future Careers
The AVID program encourages students to prepare for college, careers, and long term success. This event created a valuable opportunity for students to hear from a local healthcare professional and better understand what it takes to enter a patient focused career.
The presentation helped students explore questions such as:
- What does a dentist do each day?
- What subjects are helpful for a healthcare career?
- How does dental school prepare someone to care for patients?
- Why are communication and compassion important in dentistry?
- How can students start preparing now for a future in healthcare?
By connecting career learning with real community experience, Smyl OC Dentistry helped students see dentistry as a meaningful profession built around education, trust, and service.
Connecting Oral Health Education With Career Learning
While the event focused on career exploration, oral health education was also part of the conversation. Students learned how daily habits can support healthier teeth and gums and why preventive care matters at every age.
The Smyl OC Dentistry team encouraged students to remember simple habits such as:
- Brushing twice a day
- Flossing daily
- Drinking more water
- Limiting sugary snacks and drinks
- Scheduling regular dental exams and cleanings
- Speaking up early about tooth pain, sensitivity, or bleeding gums
These small habits can help students protect their smiles, build confidence, and better understand how oral health connects to overall wellness.
A Positive Message for the School Community
The school environment reflected encouragement, motivation, and student growth. Inspirational displays across campus supported the same message shared during Career Day: small steps, curiosity, and perseverance can lead to meaningful opportunities.
For the Smyl OC Dentistry team, the event was about more than giving a presentation. It was a chance to support students as they think about their future and to show that healthcare careers can be both rewarding and community centered.
Supporting Students in Tustin and Santa Ana
Smyl OC Dentistry is located in Santa Ana and proudly serves families from nearby communities, including Tustin, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Orange, South Coast Metro, and the greater Orange County area.
As a local dental office, Smyl OC Dentistry values opportunities to support education, prevention, and community connection beyond the clinic. Events like AVID Career Day allow our team to build relationships with students and families while encouraging healthier smiles and future career exploration.
Our office provides general, preventive, emergency, cosmetic, and family dental care in a comfortable setting. Whether patients need a dental exam, professional cleaning, filling, emergency visit, or help understanding insurance options, our team is here to guide them with care.
Thank You to Columbus Tustin Middle School
Smyl OC Dentistry thanks Columbus Tustin Middle School for welcoming our team and giving us the opportunity to connect with students through oral health education. We are grateful for the chance to support local students, educators, and families.
Events like this reflect our commitment to community connection and preventive dental education. Smyl OC Dentistry looks forward to continuing outreach efforts with schools, families, and organizations across Santa Ana, Tustin, and Orange County.
Schedule a Visit With Smyl OC Dentistry
If your family is looking for a friendly dentist in Santa Ana, Smyl OC Dentistry is here to help. Our team provides gentle, personalized dental care in a modern and welcoming office environment.
From preventive dental exams and teeth cleanings to emergency dental care and restorative treatments, we help patients understand their options and feel comfortable at every visit.
Call (949) 570-3650 to schedule an appointment with Smyl OC Dentistry.