After a decade away, STCC graduate finds her path through dental hygiene
Savanna Perreault
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – College didn’t click for Savanna Perreault ’26 right away.
The Ludlow resident enrolled at 17, shortly after high school, but quickly realized she wasn’t ready. She stepped away, spent a few years working in the service industry and searching for a career that matched her passion for helping others.
In spring 2026, the 32-year-old achieved a milestone she once thought might never happen. Perreault graduated from Springfield Technical Community College with an associate degree in Dental Hygiene. She also won the STCC Dental Hygiene Leadership award.
“At one point, it sounded almost like something that I wasn’t going to be able to do,” said Perreault, reflecting on her accomplishments at STCC. “I’m very grateful, happy, and proud of myself for making it through.”
Perreault returned to school in 2021 and chose STCC because of the college’s strong reputation for its Dental Hygiene program, affordability, and convenient location.
“I came to STCC because I felt that the reviews for the dental hygiene program were some of the best around,” she said. “It’s a hands-on program. It’s affordable, and it’s close to where I live.”
Christopher Scott, dean of the School of Health and Patient Simulation, said the Dental Hygiene program prepares students for successful careers through rigorous academics, clinical training, and dedicated faculty support.
“STCC’s Dental Hygiene program is known for producing highly skilled, compassionate professionals who are ready to meet the needs of today’s patients,” Scott said. “Our faculty create an environment where students receive exceptional hands-on training while building the confidence and professionalism needed to thrive in the field. We’re proud of Savanna and our graduates who will enter careers and make a meaningful difference.”
Perreault’s interest in dental hygiene came from a lifelong fascination with oral health and overall health.
“I think it’s interesting that your oral health contributes to the entire health of your body,” she said. “I’d like to bridge the gap between preventative care and being able to teach children about oral health, so they won’t have as many issues when they’re older.”
Getting into the program was no easy task. Perreault knew only 20 students were accepted each year, so she worked closely with her advisor, setting goals each semester and striving for top grades.
I came to STCC because I felt that the reviews for the dental hygiene program were some of the best around.Savanna Perreault '26 STCC alumna
“I felt like I had to get all A’s because it’s a very competitive program,” she said.
Her hard work paid off when she was accepted on her first try.
The program challenged her academically and personally. Students are responsible for finding patients for the clinic so they can complete program requirements.
Perreault embraced that challenge by reaching beyond friends and family to connect with members of the broader community.
“She really did an amazing job getting the word out about our program,” said Professor Darlene O’Brien, Dental Hygiene program coordinator. “She went out to senior centers, and when she would have an overflow of patients, she would offer them to her classmates. She really went above and beyond when it came to that. She is a great leader and a hard worker.”
Perreault said helping patients access affordable care became one of the most rewarding parts of her STCC experience.
“It’s been amazing,” she said. “A lot of people don’t have access to care, and we’re able to do it for $35. It’s allowing people that haven’t been to the dentist in five, 10, 15 years to be able to come and afford it.”
She also discovered how much compassion matters in dentistry, especially for patients with anxiety.
“I’ve had so many people give great feedback like, ‘You’re so gentle,’ or ‘You made me feel comfortable,’” she said. “That’s very rewarding.”
Perreault credits O’Brien, who also served as her advisor, with helping her succeed throughout the program.
“She’s been very big on supporting me and helping me throughout the entire program,” Perreault said. “If I needed hands-on practice, she would sit with me after school, extra hours, and allow me to practice.”
Perreault also said her mother has been her greatest source of support at home.
“She’s been outstanding,” Perreault said. “Whether it’s making extra meals for me or helping me with laundry, she’s my biggest support system.”
For Perreault, graduating means more than earning a degree. It represents changing the trajectory of her life.
As a first-generation college student and one of nine siblings, she hopes her achievement inspires younger family members to believe in their own possibilities.
“I will be the second of my siblings to graduate,” she said. “It’s a huge accomplishment. I think it will pave the way for my nieces and nephews to see that they can do it too.”
Perreault plans to work clinically as a dental hygienist while continuing her education toward a bachelor’s degree. Long term, she hopes to combine patient care with teaching, outreach, and advocacy.
“I want to serve anyone and everyone,” she said. “Children just as much as elderly people all deserve equal access to care.”
Looking back, she remembers driving to campus during her first weeks in the program, overwhelmed with emotion.
“I was almost crying on my way to school most weeks,” she said. “I couldn’t believe this was my life right now. It was such an amazing thing.”
Now, with graduation in the rear view mirror, Perreault says the feeling is just as powerful.
“It feels amazing,” she said. “It feels surreal, and I’m very proud of myself.”
Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth’s only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC’s highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the College—a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution—seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed, and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu