Summary
Jordan Willaims is a future dentist whose first step on the way to earning the title "doctor" is OTC's dental assisting program. His pursuit of a degree in the female-heavy world of dental assisting earned him a Breaking Traditions Award from the state Department of Education.
Growing up in Versailles, Mo., Jordan Williams always planned to become a physician. But in high school, he began working at a dental office in his hometown, mostly cleaning and stocking shelves. Occasionally, Jordan would help out during a procedure.
“I saw a woman receive dentures, and she started crying,” Jordan said. “She was so happy. I realized there is a lot of confidence in a smile.”
That is when Jordan knew he wanted to become a dentist.
Rather than attend a four-year college to study pre-dental, Jordan enrolled at Ozarks Technical Community College in the dental assisting program. This year, he is the only male in his class. Jordan’s outstanding performance in a female-dominated industry earned him a 2024 Breaking Traditions Award.
“I’m not going to lie; it was a little intimidating being the only guy,” Jordan said. “I talk a lot about my aspirations for dental school, and they’ve really encouraged me.”
Not only does Jordan earn the prestige of the Breaking Traditions Award, but it also comes with a scholarship he can use next year when he transfers to Missouri State University to complete his pre-dental requirements. Eventually, Jordan hopes to attend dental school at the University of Missouri — Kansas City.
“Jordan creates a positive and collaborative learning environment,” wrote Dental Assisting Program Director Sarah Smith in Jordan’s nomination packet. His ultimate aspiration of attending dental school has been a driving force behind his outstanding performance in the program.”
Jordan had to overcome a significant health issue as a young teenager to get where he is today. While playing football in eighth grade, Jordan suffered a concussion, but the symptoms, like severe headaches, continued much longer than expected.
Eventually, doctors determined Jordan had Arnold-Chiari malformation, which meant a portion of his brain tissue was pushing into his spinal column. Surgery fixed the condition, but his football-playing days were over.
Eventually, Jordan hopes to practice dentistry in his hometown of Versailles. His goal for his future dental office is to develop an atmosphere where his patients will feel comfortable with him and trust him. This will allow him to create confidence-building moments like the one that inspired him to pursue dentistry.
