Class of '25: Dental Hygiene grad overcomes health scare, now hopes to help others

Each year, University of Detroit Mercy’s Marketing & Communications department profiles members of the graduating classes. Students chosen were nominated by staff and faculty for their contributions to the life of the University. Click here for more information about 2025 commencement exercises.

Jeanette Andrade ’25 wants to help people.

It’s what she envisions doing with her Dental Hygiene degree from Detroit Mercy’s School of Dentistry.

“I hope to be improving people’s lives every day, just because oral health is such a big factor in how people live,” Andrade said. “I hope to be improving their smiles and oral health.”

But before helping others and finishing her degree, Andrade needed to pause her Dental Hygiene studies so she could take care of herself.

Andrade was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in the summer of 2023, following the completion of her first year of her program. At the suggestion of her oncologist, she halted her studies to focus on fighting the cancer.

Andrade’s treatment included 12 rounds of chemotherapy.

“I was terrified because I thought that I would forget everything,” she said. “I got so used to doing it for a year and then not being able to do anything, I was definitely missing it.

“But in reality, I was working towards a health goal.”

Many people were there for Andrade during the health scare, especially her parents, with her dad driving her to chemo appointments and her mom taking care of her at home.

“They were there with me throughout everything, I am so appreciative of their help,” Andrade reflected.

She also heard often from the Detroit Mercy Dental family.

“I received so many messages saying they wished me the best, hoping for my speedy recovery,” she said. “Some of the faculty emailed me saying they couldn’t wait to see me back again.

“Many said they were praying for me, and I appreciated that so much. Their prayers worked.”

In May 2024, Andrade was told her cancer was in remission.

She returned for her final year of Dental Hygiene school, joining the Class of 2025. Andrade quickly picked up her academics where she left off.

“Everyone was really welcoming, they came up to me the first day and asked me if I needed anything,” she said.

“The faculty were so, so helpful. They kept saying that it’s really like riding a bike for you. It’s muscle memory, and I was like, ‘I know, I’m surprised, too.’”

Her graduation from the Dental Hygiene program marks the culmination of studies across two campuses at Detroit Mercy. She enrolled at the University as an undergraduate after a field trip to the University during her senior year of high school, which included a trip to the School of Dentistry.

“I remember when I was on my tour in high school, I really liked the faculty when I met them,” Andrade said. “They were really kind and spoke highly of the school and the Hygiene program. They showed us around, it seemed very easy to find my way to everything, I loved the library. 

“It fit like a glove for me.”

During her undergraduate studies at UDM, Andrade worked as a receptionist in a dental office, which served as a good introduction to the profession, and helped solidify her career decision.

“I remember getting to see a lot of the procedures that were being done, and I really enjoyed it,” she said.

When it was time for Andrade to see her own patients during her second year of Dental Hygiene school, it was a transition, but through practice and her education, she fell in love with it.

“It’s a tough transition at the beginning, you’re scared to use these small instruments in someone’s mouth, but eventually you get really comfortable, and you build a great patient base,” she said. “It started to feel like second nature.”

It’s part of what makes the Dental Hygiene program outstanding, Andrade said.

“I feel so incredibly prepared,” she said. “The program is rigorous, and they teach you so much. And they expect you to know so much because they want you to be good clinicians and good hygienists in the field.

“I’ve learned more information in the past two years than I’ve learned in my whole life, and it’s valuable information that will help me in the long run.”

She had the backing of the Detroit Mercy Dental family throughout her journey. One of the biggest supporters was Sally Ammar, the clinical director of the Dental Hygiene program.

“She’s definitely been one of the ones that has helped me through everything,” Andrade said. “She was so excited to see me finally finish this era of my life. She was such a great help.”

Now, Andrade looks towards a future, one where she can help others.

“I thank God every day that I’m able to see a patient and that I’m able to change somebody’s life,” Andrade said.

— By Adam Bouton. Follow Detroit Mercy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. Have a story idea? Let us know by submitting your idea.