Periodontal surgeon keeps practice humming with help from STCC students

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The sound of whirring dental instruments filled the air as Dr. T. John Megas performed a sophisticated implant surgery with two assistants who are students at Springfield Technical Community College.

After the 90-minute procedure ended, Megas had nothing but praise for his assistants, Alyssa Diaz ’24 and Amina Maigari ‘24. Having earned Dental Assisting certificates in January, they are taking classes at STCC this spring and plan to start in the Dental Hygiene program in the fall.

“I’m very fortunate to have them,” Megas said from his West Springfield office. “They’re highly motivated. They came through the STCC Dental Assisting program with flying colors. They’re caring individuals, which we want for health care professionals.”

Diaz of Agawam and Maigari of Springfield started as interns in the office while they were studying in the program at STCC. Impressed with their skills and work ethic, Megas hired them full time in January 2024.

“They came in greener than green, but they had the knowledge and the background,” he said. “The minute I started explaining things to them, it all clicked. I’m very fortunate to have them. They like helping people. That is such an important quality.”

During the surgery, the assistants adeptly performed a number of tasks. Diaz assisted with irrigation and suction. Maigari passed instruments and helped prepare the patient’s temporary bridge for implantation. Near the end of the procedure, they carefully adjusted the dental chair to properly position the patient.

Megas said his relationship with STCC goes back several decades. He has hired students and graduates and taught as an adjunct professor at the college. “My experience with STCC has always been very positive,” he said.

Describing what drew them to dental assisting, Diaz and Maigara both said they thought about a career in oral health care and saw the one-year certificate program as an ideal entry point that prepares them for the two-year associate degree Dental Hygiene program.

“Dental Assisting set me up for what I’m doing today at Dr. Megas’ office and what I want to do in the future,” Maigari said. “I have so much knowledge that when I go into dental hygiene, I’ll be ready.”

This spring, Maigari and Diaz are enrolled in classes at STCC to prepare for the fall when they start as Dental Hygiene students.

I'm very fortunate to have them. They’re highly motivated. They came through the STCC Dental Assisting program with flying colors. Dr. T. John Megas, Periodontal surgeon

As dental assistants, they handle a range of tasks. They prepare the surgical suite, which includes sterilizing instruments, arranging trays with the necessary surgical instruments and supplies and ensuring that the surgical area is clean and organized. They assist the surgeon and provide patient care, ensuring the patient feels comfortable and safe. Following the surgery, the assistants are responsible for instrument sterilization and cleaning the surgical suite.

They also take X-rays, known as radiography. “Their training at STCC in radiography I think is tremendous,” Megas said.

Earlier this year, Jeffrey Sattler, a member of the STCC Board of Trustees, stopped into Dr. Megas’ office for a procedure. He was delighted to meet the STCC students.

“He is one of the best periodontist and implant surgeons in the marketplace,” said Sattler, Senior Commercial Relationship Manager at Liberty Bank. “I know Dr. Megas as being a perfectionist and he doesn’t hire just anybody. I’m proud of Alyssa and Amina’s accomplishments and look forward to seeing them again upon my next visit.”

Samantha Kelley, a professor and chair of the Dental Assisting program, said STCC prepares students to enter the job market and form the backbone of a dental office. Students can also enroll in the Dental Hygiene program and continue with their education after earning a Dental Assisting certificate.

“We are proud our program offers students an excellent opportunity to enter a profession where they help improve the lives of people in our community,” Kelley said. “It's truly inspiring to see our graduates making a positive impact on oral health care, and I have no doubt that they will continue to thrive and excel in their careers.”

Christopher Scott, dean of the School of Health and Patient Simulation, praised the Dental Assisting faculty for their dedication.

“Their unwavering commitment to providing exceptional education and mentorship has been instrumental in shaping our students into skilled professionals ready to excel in the dental field,” Scott said. “They do an excellent job preparing our students who will be in high demand for jobs. Western Massachusetts has a significant need for dental assistants. They want to hire our graduates.”

Asked to highlight what they liked best about the STCC program, Diaz and Maigari both cited the personal attention students get from professors.

“I had amazing professors,” Maigari said. “They taught me a lot. Everything I learned I had to put into action here at Dr. Megas’ office. They set me up well.”

Diaz credited TRIO Student Support Services for helping her succeed at STCC. The program helps students adjust to the college environment. Like most TRIO students, Diaz is the first in her family to go to college.

“My counselor in TRIO (Carol Flores) has helped to make my dreams come true to be in the dental field,” Diaz said.

In her counseling role, Flores said she works with students like Diaz to prepare an action plan.

“She got accepted into Dental Assisting and continued her prerequisites for Dental Hygiene,” Flores said. “We did monthly checkups. She received tutoring. When she got into the hygiene program, she was so elated and happy. She said, ‘Everything we planned out came to fruition. It was all because you helped me.’ I said, no, you listened! I had no doubt she would get into the Dental Hygiene program.”

After finishing with the patient in Dr. Megas’ office, Diaz and Maigari highlighted what they like best about being a dental assistant.

“I love the surgery part,” Maigari said. “It’s very intriguing and very interesting. It’s like a new thing every time. It feels different with every patient. I love seeing them smile at the end.”

Diaz agreed.

“It’s very rewarding to see them excited about their new smile. They feel confident to be able to love their smile,” Diaz added. “What I really like about this job is that you get to connect with patients and help them overcome their anxiety of coming to a dental office.”

Megas described the STCC Dental Assisting program as a perfect place to start.

“It’s a demanding program, but if you’re motivated you can get through the program successfully,” he said. “If you’re a caring individual, and looking to make a difference in someone’s life, the dental field is a tremendous opportunity.”

Watch a video of Dr. Megas and his assistants at the STCC YouTube channel.

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 unequaled 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

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