Aja Turner finds a reset at Clover Park Technical College
By Jean Borst
When Aja Turner enrolled in the Dental Assistant program at Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) last year, she wasn’t just beginning a new chapter. She was making a deliberate shift toward a healthier, more sustainable life for herself and her family.
After serving seven years in the U.S. Army right out of high school, Turner went on to build a career in veterinary medicine that spanned more than a decade. She was drawn to the field because of her lifelong love of animals, but the emotional weight of that work – especially the last five years in fast-paced emergency care – began to take a toll.
“It was so intense,” she said. “Animals were dying and owners were inconsolable. I was coming home emotionally, mentally and physically drained every single day.”
With a young son at home and a busy household, Turner realized something had to change.
“I needed to be present for my family,” she said. “I knew I had to find something better for all of us.”
When she looked into going back to school, CPTC stood out.
“I kept coming back to Clover Park Technical College because of how much support they provide for veterans,” Turner said. “There were so many resources, and it felt like they genuinely care. That was a big green flag for me.”
Feeling seen and supported
At CPTC, Turner found more than just a new career path. She found a community.
“The program has been fantastic,” she said. “And I’ve found that there’s support there for everyone. It’s a diverse environment where people are respectful, which really matters to me. Even the resources they offer — like the Food Pantry and free personal care items — show that they care about students as people, not just as numbers.”
She’s also found a strong support system in her instructors.
“They work so well together and are always there to answer questions,” she said. “I ask a lot, and they always give genuine answers. That consistency makes a big difference when you’re learning something new.”
Now in the final stretch of the program, Turner is completing her externship in the office of Tacoma dentist Dr. Mark Kadoshima, where she’s gaining hands-on experience in infection control and chairside assisting. She’s also looking ahead to expanding her experience beyond just routine care.
“I’m interested in oral surgery — the nitty-gritty stuff,” she said.
Balance in the chaos
Going to school, parenting and completing clinical training is no small task, but Turner approaches it with intention.
“I really try to prioritize my mental and physical health,” she said. “Life is constantly go, go, go, so I make time to reset. I’ll go to the gym, eat healthy food and get outside when I can. It helps me handle whatever the day throws at me.”
Turner expects to complete the program in late August and plans to step directly into the workforce. But she’s giving herself space to explore what comes next.
“I’ve set a one-year plan to work as a dental assistant,” she said. “I truly love it, I’ll stick with it. If I want to go further, I may become a dental hygienist.”
Taking the plunge
Having navigated her own path back to school, Turner now has advice for others thinking about making a similar move. For prospective students considering CPTC, Turner encourages doing the homework — and then going all in.
“Read all you can about the program and talk to someone at the college’s Advising & Counseling office to make sure it’s a good fit,” she said. “Once you decide, commit to it. Ask questions and take advantage of everything CPTC has to offer — tutoring, the library, financial aid, student resources. Dive in headfirst.”
She also emphasized the importance of embracing the realities of training for the dental field.
“If you’re going into dental assisting, don’t be afraid to do the job,” she said. “You’re going to be working in people’s mouths — that’s what you’re there for. Get comfortable with it during your training.”
And one final piece of advice, courtesy of her instructors?
“Never say ‘uh-oh’ when working on a patient.”