Program Director/Principal Investigator (Last, First, Middle): Ortega, Elena

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Provide the following information for the Senior/key personnel and other significant contributors in the order listed on Form Page 2.
Follow this format for each person. DO NOT EXCEED FOUR PAGES.

NAME POSITION TITLE

Lee, Virginia Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Graduate
eRA COMMONS USER NAME (credential, e.g., agency login) Learner

EDUCATION/TRAINING (Begin with baccalaureate or other initial professional education, such as nursing, include postdoctoral training and
residency training if applicable.)
DEGREE
INSTITUTION AND LOCATION MM/YY FIELD OF STUDY
(if applicable)
University of California, Davis B.S 06/11 Human Development
Carrington College of California San Jose A.S 05/16 Dental Hygiene
Campus

A. Personal Statement
Growing up in San Franciscos Chinatown, I was primarily raised by my grandparents along with my two
sisters. As a first generation Chinese American, my first language was not English, but Cantonese. No one in
my family spoke English and my first exposure to English was in elementary school. My grandmother worked
six days a week as a seamstress, but was only paid a meager salary that was not sufficient enough to support
our family. Due to the lack of income, my family was not able to get health or dental insurance. When we were
ill, we would visit local free clinics to get the care we desperately needed. And due to our lack of education in
oral health, we would only pay a visit to the dentist when we are in pain. Despite our economic hardships, my
grandmother had always encouraged us to better our future through education.

As a child growing up, I have experienced many health and dental problems. I have spent countless visits and
hours at the dental office. Many of which are due to lack of care and awareness that resulted in restorative
work, extractions, and ultimately orthodontics. These experiences are one of many reasons why I chose a
career in the dental field so I can be proactive in my community by advocating for dental health, awareness,
and prevention to the underserved population.

Prior to attending college at the University of California, Davis, it was evident that I had a strong interest in
dentistry. As an undergraduate, I was a member of the Davis Pre-Dental Society and I interned at a local oral
surgery office. As a dental assistant intern, I had the opportunity to witness a procedure preformed on a
recovering meth addict. Needless to say there was not much left inside her oral cavity, but as an act of
kindness the doctors operated on the patient free of charge. After this eventful occasion, I have decided that I
wanted to devote myself to the community. Joining Spreading Smiles was a great opportunity for me to get out
of my comfort level and help aid those populations that are underserved. We fundraised and spent an entire
week traveling to rural areas in Costa Rica while providing dental care and free supplies.

Shortly after graduating UC Davis, I continued to fulfill the remaining prerequisites for dental hygiene school.
After getting admitted to Carrington College of San Jose, I was thrilled to be finally starting my career as a
student hygienist. While as a student hygienist, I have learned that my role as a dental hygienist is not based
on just being a clinician. My role encompasses many aspects that include being an educator, researcher,
administrator/manager, and an advocate for oral health.

Lastly, my educational journey and life experiences are what makes me a great candidate for the position as
part-time faculty member. This is one aspect of my career that I wish to explore and grow as a professional.
And if given the opportunity at (fill-in school), I wish to devote my time and commitment to.
PHS 398/2590 (Rev. 06/09) Page Biographical Sketch Format Page
 Program Director/Principal Investigator (Last, First, Middle): Ortega, Elena

B. Positions and Honors

2015-2016 Registered Dental Hygienist, John Y.C Tang DDS, San Francisco, CA
2015- Registered Dental Hygienist, Jeremy J. Velasco DDS, San Francisco, CA
2015- Registered Dental Hygienist, Jason P. Lipton DDS, San Mateo, CA
2016-2016 Registered Dental Hygienist, Paul-Ryan Lake DDS, San Francisco, CA

Other Experience and Professional Memberships

2014- Member, American Dental Hygienists Association
2014- Member, California Dental Hygienists Association
2014- Member, San Francisco Dental Hygiene Society
2016- Member, American Dental Education Association

C. Selected Peer-reviewed Publications

None.

D. Research Support

None.

PHS 398/2590 (Rev. 06/09) Page Biographical Sketch Format Page