Candace Benson

Interim Dean of Dental Programs

Wayne County Community College District

Detroit, MI USA

“The stigma [of going to community college] is there, but for me, I just needed an education. To me, education is what you put into it.”

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By Roadtrip Nation

Candace Benson

Milestones

My road in life has been direct.

Raised by a single mother—says seeing her work hard and struggle to provide was her main motivator in wanting to succeed.

As a toddler, her mother would bring her to some of her college classes—says she developed a strong sense that “going to school and getting an education was a must.”

Attended Western Michigan University for a semester, but was forced to drop out due to lack of financial aid.

Instead, she decided to attend Wayne County Community College (WCCC)—completed all of her prerequisite classes in a year as opposed to the typical two years.

Ended up switching her major from accounting to dental hygiene and was enrolled in the program alongside her mother—they eventually graduated from the program together.

After working as a dental hygienist for a few years, she was asked to start teaching for the dental hygiene program at WCCC—wanted to help other students succeed just as she did.

Went on to receive her bachelor's and master's degrees in dental hygiene—she is also a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in nursing.

Currently serving as the interim dean of dental programs for Wayne County Community College District in Detroit, MI.

Keep following my journey