We were lucky to catch up with Grace Ruesewald recently and have shared our conversation below.

Grace, appreciate you joining us today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

My grandparents adopted me and took me in. They both served as police officers. My grandpa was the constable of tarrent county and chief of police. They both had huge hearts and always took care of other people. They gave everything they had to everyone else. For me, they set the example of love. I learned how to serve others through them. I learned how to treat people right. The world can already be cruel and difficult, But love and kindness goes a long way.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As I enter the age of 32. Each day is a new opportunity to grow, change, and create the life you desire.

I went to collage to become a teacher but ended up working in the dental field. I always knew I had a servant’s heart and a passion for helping others. After 11 years in dentistry, I realized I could combine my love for teaching with my dental knowledge. I understood doctors’ expectations, how to manage a busy schedule, and the fast pace of running a practice. My hospitality and understanding of patient care led me to start my own business. I created my own teaching and training program because I recognized that many dental assistant schools weren’t adequately preparing students. Some programs even offered only online courses without any hands-on office training.

I listened to the needs of different doctors and saw that many programs weren’t setting students up for success. I wanted my program to be different. My goal is to help someone start a new career in dentistry, not just by earning a state license but by gaining the confidence and skills to meet doctors’ expectations. I start with the basics of dental anatomy and gradually move into hands-on office training. My students learn in an actual practice, not just in a classroom or on a computer. By the end of the program, they work with patients, and I’m right there by their side, supporting them until they’re ready to handle everything on their own.

I conduct my curriculum through UT Health San Antonio, a dental school I deeply respect. My students get licensed through the state of Texas, and all testing is conducted by UT Health, for which I thoroughly prepare them. I also teach out of different dental offices. I guide and help all of my students to receive a job they like.

In this industry, I’ve met many people who, like me, came from difficult backgrounds and just want better lives but can’t afford a major college. That’s okay—being a dental assistant is a great career with many opportunities. The sky’s the limit. I always say you can’t control what you’re born into, but you can control who you become. I pour 100% into every person I teach, getting to know them and genuinely caring about making a difference.

God gave me a strong desire to serve my community, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without my relationship with God. Jesus is first and foremost in my life. I’m a mom of two beautiful daughters and a wife. God is faithful, true and real. His will, his way, my faith.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

My main goal is to help them get a job. It’s not just about stepping into a brand new career and getting a state license. But being equipped and confident to do your job.
I don’t quit on anybody. They still in my program until they are confident and have the basic understanding of their responsibilities. My program is different from others. Sometimes people need more time. They need more one-on-one help. Everybody learns differently.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I don’t give up on anyone. Some people finish my three month program and they’re ready to go. However that is not always the case for everybody. Until they are fully ready to step into a job and take on all of the roles, it’s my job to equip and help them. It’s not over just when you get your state license it’s over when you’re confident and ready and you know it in your heart and soul.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stan.store/Graces_RDA_Academy
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graces_rda_academy?igsh=bGhyYnJsMzNubGNw&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: Grace Ruesewald
• Other: https://stan.store/Graces_RDA_Academy Stan store!

Image Credits

Photos of me and my family. Where professionally taken by: Alyssa Higgins: She owns Higgins photography. She is known for her family portraits.

Hair and makeup by: Blushing Beauty By Lili
I own all the photos and are mine.