Dana Hernandez
DENTAL ASSISTANT
Dana Hernandez has been a valued Dental Assistant at Santa Martha Dental for the past year, where she is dedicated to helping patients feel comfortable, cared for, and confident throughout their dental visits.
Dana’s journey into dentistry began during her senior year of high school when she enrolled in the Regional Occupational Program (ROP) for Dental Assisting in San Bernardino County. Through this hands-on program, she gained a strong foundation in dental theory and patient care while earning certifications in Radiation Safety, Infection Control, Coronal Polishing, and the California Dental Practice Act. During her internships at Santa Martha Dental, she discovered her passion for dentistry and knew she had found the career she wanted to pursue. Today, she proudly serves the Ontario community, where she enjoys caring for patients close to home.
Inspired by the opportunity to make a direct difference in people’s lives, Dana loves that every patient and every procedure is unique. She is fascinated by the complexity of oral health and the important role it plays in a person’s overall well-being and confidence. Her favorite part of the job is seeing patients arrive feeling anxious and leave the office smiling, pain-free, and at ease. Whether she is helping calm a nervous patient or assisting with life-changing treatments, she finds purpose in making every visit a positive experience.
Dana knew she had chosen the right profession when she realized she genuinely looked forward to coming to work each day. She enjoys building connections with patients, guiding them through their appointments, and continually expanding her knowledge. Learning something new every day and witnessing the positive impact of quality dental care continues to fuel her passion for the profession.
Originally from Mexico City, Mexico, Dana takes great pride in her heritage and loves sharing the country’s rich culture, beautiful landscapes, welcoming people, and incredible cuisine. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, her boyfriend, and her two beloved dogs, Maya, a Goldendoodle, and Darla, a Cocker Spaniel. She also enjoys traveling, especially to historic destinations, where she loves imagining the stories of those who came before. And if there’s one thing everyone quickly learns about Dana, it’s that pink is her favorite color.
Looking toward the future, Dana is pursuing a Biology degree at California State University, Fullerton, with plans to attend dental school and become a dentist. Her long-term goal is to open her own dental practice, where she can continue helping patients relieve pain, restore their oral health, and gain confidence through their smiles.
