CHATTANOOGA, TN -- What would you do if you saw an unmet need in your community? For Monserat “Monse” Rincon, taking action was the only option.  

Rincon set out to make a difference as a Spanish-speaking dental assistant, bridging a language gap faced by members of her own community. She completed her associate degree in Dental Assisting from Chattanooga State Community College in June 2024. 

“I gained interest in the dental field the first time I went with my mother to see the dentist so I could help translate,” Rincon said. “I realized I could make a difference in our community since there were not any offices in town that had Spanish speakers or interpreters.” 

She chose to study at the College because its financial aid options allowed her to study without taking on student debt. Moreover, a grant provided her an opportunity to use the campus’s daycare so she could attend classes without paying for daycare or a babysitter. 

Her efforts to make a difference did not go unnoticed. This year, she was selected as one of only a few recipients of two scholarships totaling $11,000. These funds are designated to further education, earn credentials, and support communities. 

Rincon was chosen as one of only six winners to receive a $10,000 BlueCross Power of We Health Equity Scholarship from the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation. 

The Power of We Health Equity Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding achievements in community service, leadership, and academics, as well as their commitment to improving health equity in the state. 

“As we continue to build on our understanding of health disparities and barriers to care, our Power of We Scholarship remains a vital component in our strategy to advance health equity,” said Dr. Andrea Willis, SVP and chief medical officer at BlueCross. 

In addition, she was one of only eight recipients selected from a pool of more than 500 applicants from across the country to receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and the DALE Foundation. 

She used her scholarship funding to earn a radiology certification and purchase dental hygiene supplies, including embroidered scrubs. 

“While in school, I was able to get a job at a mainly Spanish-speaking office and realize how important it is to me to be able to help the Hispanic community,” Rincon said.