Anthony Carranza

When his once-promising military career was cut short by a debilitating back injury, Anthony Carranza was suddenly facing a future with little hope. Or at least until the Navy veteran began looking into career and technical education programs at local community colleges.

Today, Carranza is wrapping up his training in the Moreno Valley College Dental Hygiene program, preparing to become a certified dental hygienist and enter a profession that the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics says pays an average salary exceeding $90,000 annually in the Inland Empire.

“It was very affordable and I’m leaving without any debt,” Carranza said. “Everybody at the college cares for the student, the services for veterans are beyond belief, and I have a good career to look forward to. This has exceeded my expectations by far.”

Program Director Debbie Moon said Carranza embodies veterans who come to the college for new career and technical education skills.

“The focus, determination and dedication he developed in the military are helping him succeed as a student in the Moreno Valley College Dental Hygiene program,” Moon said.

Carranza is among the growing number of veterans flocking to community colleges in the Inland Empire/Desert region as they transition to civilian life. The successful track record of career programs in particular lies in working closely with business and industry leaders, enabling educators to continually monitor job market trends and ensure the training offered remains relevant to employer demand.

Anthony Carranza and the Dental Hygiene Program at Moreno Valley College are Exhibit A.

Born in San Bernardino and raised in Redlands, Carranza enlisted in the Navy while still a senior at Redlands High School and went to boot camp the February following graduation. After completing his training as a master at arms, he was stationed with Marine Corps Security Force Battalion – Bangor in the state of Washington. Then, his back began deteriorating. First came a herniated disc. Then came surgery, which failed to fix the condition. Unable to run and constantly in pain, Carranza received a medical discharge.

He was just 22 years old.

Carranza was devastated. “There’s not much out there for a 22-year-old male with only a high school diploma and a bad back,” he said. Unsure of his options, he moved in with his parents in Redlands while contemplating his future. It wasn’t long until he found the Dental Hygiene Program at Moreno Valley College.

“I was scared to go back to school because I didn’t know what to expect.,” he said. “But I went to talk to the VA rep at the college and told her what my situation was, and that I wanted to enroll in the Dental Hygiene Program. She took care of all of my paperwork, told me what I needed to do, and set me along on my path.”

After completing his math and science prerequisites, Carranza was accepted into the 60.5-unit program – one of 20 candidates who are accepted each year – in the fall of 2016. After earning his Associate in Science degree in 2018, Carranza will be eligible to take the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination, as well as the mandatory law and ethics exam necessary to start working as a dental hygienist.

Moreno Valley College students had a 100-percent pass rate on both the National Dental Hygiene and the Western Regional Examination Board in 2016.

“The Moreno Valley Dental Hygiene program is dedicated to serving our veterans by supporting the transition process and providing ongoing services such as tutoring, counseling, and coaching as they achieve their academic, career, and life goals,” said Moon.

Carranza agrees.

“The Dental Hygiene Program is very demanding,” said Carranza, who has a 2-year-old daughter. “But it is very doable with the help of the staff and the instructors, who will not let you do anything but succeed. I have never felt like I was out of place; I’ve always been welcomed. And whenever something has come up or I’ve had to go to a medical appointment, my instructors have been totally understanding.”

Moon said Carranza is just as understanding in dealing with patients at the Moreno Valley College Dental Hygiene Clinic, where dental hygiene students work under the supervision of faculty to provide affordable routine cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and other preventative care for the surrounding community.

“What I admire most about Anthony are the relationships that he cultivates with his patients,” Moon said. “He builds a rapport that creates a high level of trust, understanding and respect. I envision Anthony as a highly competent and caring health care provider.”