Learn how Dr. Natalie Delacruz made this a reality and YOU can too!
Dr. Natalie Delacruz, RDH, graduated from New York University College of Dentistry
Dental Hygiene Program in 2006. She recently earned a PhD from Walden University,
where she focused on research involving educational technologies in the classroom.
Dr. Delacruz is a military wife, her husband is an active duty military member of
the United States Air Force stationed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor in Honolulu Hawaii.
They have four children ages 4 to 14. They are more than thrilled to have the opportunity
to live and work in Hawaii!
Dr. Delacruz began her career at WSU in 2011, where she worked as an adjunct instructor
in the clinical setting 1 day per week. Her role progressed to 3 days per week in
the clinic and later to a full-time position as a faculty member in the department
of dental hygiene where she taught community oral health management, and other courses
in the degree completion program online. In 2018, her family moved to Hawaii due to
her husband receiving military orders. She later accepted a position as assistant
director of the RDH to BSDH degree completion program where she currently teaches
several courses remotely, works collaboratively with the program director to manage
the degree completion program, and conducts research.
How do you manage everything?
I manage a very busy household and work life schedule by being super organized. I
have daily charts, to-do lists, and several calendars that I work from on a daily
basis. I’ve learned to set calendar reminders that prompt me 30 minutes prior to an
event or item that I need to complete. I’ve also mastered the art of multi-tasking.
With my kids doing school online due to COVID-19, I had to learn how to help with
homework, be on a zoom call, and post information online to my students at the same
time. Honestly it can be difficult at times, but I love my job and the flexibility
it allows me to have a career and to also be a mom and wife.
What advice would you give to other RDHs seeking to advance their careers?
My advice is to get started now! There will never be a “good time” as something always
comes up that limits what you think you can accomplish. I did not stop advancing my
education once I started. I would tell other RDHs to not let anything get in the way
of your dreams. You don’t know what opportunities will arise until you get started.
Stay positive, motivated, educate yourself, and stay involved with your profession.
You can do anything!
