Spotlight

As a student: A grduate of West Coast University, Sasaki said she was "the kid who always had a cavity when I went to the dentist. I wanted to have the opportunity to educate parents and children on preventing decay and other serious problems such as periodontal disease."

On a daily basis: She works part time in a general dentist practice. "The best part about my career in dental hygiene is educating and interacting with my patients. My patients always make me laugh, and I try my best to reciprocate their energy."

About Alexa-Rae: "In my spare time I like to take my rottweiler, Benjamin, on long runs, volunteer at Kid’s Community Dental Clinic in Burbank, and watch YouTube videos to find DIY projects."

Cover photography by Rick Dahms