Mason Colón

I was raised in Lorain, Ohio. It’s often called “The International City” because of its  ethnic diversity from the many immigrants who live there. Some of my favorite memories are spending time at Lakeview Park, walking the mile-long pier, fishing from my grandpa’s boat on Lake Erie, and summer nights working at a restaurant called Jackalope Lakeside, which had the best sunset views!

My dream was to raise a family and work at the Ohio Turnpike toll booth near Lorain. Yes, you read that right! I wanted a public sector job with an excellent retirement package—all part of my plan to raise a family. I had no desire to go to college. However, I was fortunate to receive a scholarship for first-generation students through the Young Scholars Program, which ultimately led me where I am today. I also had several teachers in high school who encouraged me to pursue a college education. Two of them, Ms. Stacey Vore and Mr. Jay Ferguson, even helped me move into my first dorm room!

I wish I could say I had a passion for dental hygiene when I first applied to Ohio State, but the reality is that I had very little knowledge about it. I enrolled at the university with the intention of becoming a nurse, but during my first semester we were required to develop a backup plan because acceptance into the nursing program is so competitive. As I explored my options, I discovered dental hygiene. I met with my advisor, Chadleo Webb, who encouraged me to switch from nursing to dental hygiene. I took his advice and I’ve never looked back. Thankfully, my enthusiasm for practicing and teaching dental hygiene has only deepened over the years!

I completed my EFDA certification during my undergraduate dental hygiene program. It taught me the importance of four-handed dentistry and its role in patient care and clinical efficiency. Following that, my first teaching experience was working as an adjunct instructor for the college’s Continuing Dental Education EFDA program. 

My master's degree taught me that research is essential for advancing the future of dental hygiene, and my thesis project gave me an appreciation for the research process. My thesis focused on the usage rate of local anesthesia by dental hygienists to identify the reasons for use or non-use. The process was challenging yet rewarding!

That study showed that undergraduate dental hygiene students engage in research for a couple of reasons. They view it as being connected to patient care, and they see it as an opportunity to develop transferable skills. The study also identified ways that undergraduate dental hygiene programs can encourage students to participate in research before and after graduation. 

I’m not sure I can pinpoint a “secret to success,” but I’m reminded of the teaching philosophy I wrote years ago. My goals then and now are fostering creativity, discovery of personal beliefs, collaborative learning, foundational knowledge, and genuine understanding. I also focus on promoting optimism, kindness, patience, and hope. As an educator, I want my students to know how much I appreciate them and value their learning. 

Baking brings me joy! I have loved baking since I was a child. It was a pastime that my Mom taught me, and it has since kept my interest. One of my favorite things to bake is a cookie, which also happens to be my favorite dessert. You can never go wrong with a classic chocolate chip cookie!

That would be “What’s your favorite bakery in Columbus?” And the answer is Pistacia Vera — with Dan the Baker as a close second. My current favorites are the pistachio chocolate chunk cookies at Pistacia Vera, and the cornflake marshmallow chocolate chip cookies at Dan the Baker!