Help Me Begin My Dental Hygiene Journey this Fall

Hi, my name is Tianna but I prefer Tee, and I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been accepted into the competitive Dental Hygiene program at Miami Dade College, starting this August 2025. This opportunity means the world to me., it's the first major step toward a career I’ve dreamed about since I was a child. From a very young age, I’ve had a deep interest in dentistry, always fascinated by the way a confident smile can change someone’s life. Over the years, that passion has only grown stronger, and I’m now ready to turn it into a lifelong profession.

I’m a 22-year-old woman of Jamaican descent currently living in Broward County, Florida. I grew up in Jamaica and came to the U.S. to pursue a higher level of education. Since arriving, I’ve been navigating life on my own, without much family support. My father passed away when I was around seven years old, and my mother is now back in Jamaica caring for my younger brother. Living in the U.S. as an international student has presented many challenges, especially when it comes to accessing resources. Scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students are extremely limited, something I wish had been clearly communicated to me before I made the decision to study and live here. Despite these obstacles, I’ve chosen to pursue a career in dental hygiene and I'm excited about the path ahead. I’m especially proud to be working toward joining the small percentage of Black dental hygienists in the U.S., who currently make up only about 3% of the profession. Becoming part of that representation means a great deal to me, and I’m committed to making a meaningful impact in this field.

I came to the U.S. on a student visa to pursue my undergraduate studies and recently graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a degree in Biology. I earned a 3.7 GPA and graduated Cum Laude. During my time at FGCU, I was actively involved in several organizations, including the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) and the Southern Scholarship Foundation (SSF), a housing scholarship program, along with other clubs and societies. At FGCU, I was fortunate to receive a scholarship that classified me as an in-state student, allowing me to pay in-state tuition rates. Unfortunately, Miami Dade College (MDC) does not offer that same scholarship. However, they do provide tuition exemption options, and I am currently in communication with the college in hopes of securing a waiver to receive in-state tuition fees. So far, I have not been successful in securing in-state tuition. I reached out to the school regarding scholarship opportunities and was informed that funding is only available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Additionally, I was told that it is the school’s expectation that international students be financially capable of supporting themselves throughout their studies. Despite these challenges, I am continuing to explore every possible avenue for assistance while working hard to stay on track with my education.

I spent time shadowing and working alongside doctors and dental hygienists which gave me experiences that resulted in a clearer vision of the kind of care and compassion I want to bring into this field.

As excited as I am to begin this next chapter, the financial burden of starting the program is overwhelming. I was able to fund my undergraduate degree entirely on my own through hard work and dedication. However, the dental hygiene program is significantly more demanding, both financially and academically. Due to the intensity of the coursework and clinical hours, I’ve been strongly advised not to work during the program to avoid jeopardizing my success, including passing my classes and the board exams. I have thoroughly explored and applied to all available scholarship and funding opportunities for which I am eligible. Unfortunately, as an international student, many resources are limited, and despite my efforts, I have not been successful in securing additional financial support. That’s why I’m reaching out for support during this critical time.  I’m raising funds to help cover the cost of my education and essential materials for the upcoming semester. My tuition alone is $5,442.63 for one semester. In addition, I need to purchase seven textbooks, which total approximately $630 based on my school’s bookstore website. I’m also required to buy two black scrubs embroidered with my name and the school’s logo, costing around $180, as well as a dental hygiene instrument kit priced at $3,843.07. Dental loupes, another requirement, which ranges from $1,500 to $4,500, depending on the brand and specifications. Beyond these primary expenses, there are also costs for a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, hygiene calculator, general school supplies, and lab fees. I’ll also need to cover travel expenses to clinical sites and campus, malpractice and health insurance, fees for the Student Chapter of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (SCADHA), Florida Student American Dental Hygienists' Association (FSADHA) and preparation materials for my remaining semesters and the national board exams.

Every dollar raised will go directly toward covering these expenses and ensuring I can fully focus on my studies without the added stress of financial strain. This journey means everything to me, and your support, whether through a donation or simply sharing my story, would make a tremendous difference. I understand that some people may not feel comfortable using the GoFundMe platform. As an alternative, I’m happy to provide direct banking information, such as Zelle or account details, for those who prefer to contribute that way. If you're interested, please feel free to email me or leave a comment, and I will get back to you with the necessary information. Additionally, if you’d prefer to make a donation directly to my school on my behalf, I can provide my student UIN upon request. This will allow you to contact the school and arrange a direct contribution toward my tuition or educational expenses.

I’m committed to working hard and giving back to my community as a dedicated and compassionate dental hygienist. Thank you so much for being a part of this dream and helping me take the first step.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Tianna (Tee)