Meet Charrease Fredrick of Atlanta Academy of Dental Assisting

Today we’d like to introduce you to Charrease Fredrick

Hi Charrease, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My Journey: From Dental Assistant and Technology to Business Owner and Life-Changer

Hi, I’m Charrease Fredrick—a mother, wife, and proud business owner. My journey has been an incredible path filled with challenges, growth, and the ultimate reward of fulfillment. For about 14 years, I worked as a dental assistant—a career I cherished because it allowed me to help people and be part of thriving healthcare teams. Alongside this, I expanded my role in the field by becoming an instructor and a regional manager for various dental programs, sharing my expertise and inspiring students eager to launch their own careers in dentistry.

While building my career in dentistry, I was also pursuing a degree in Informatics at Mercer University. Balancing work, school, and family was no small feat, but the effort paid off. My dedication opened doors to an internship at a leading fintech company, which quickly turned into a full-time role in their Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence Business Unit. Over the next few years, I thrived in the world of technology and AI, working on innovative projects and sharpening my skills in a fast-paced industry.

In 2021, my career took an exciting and transformative turn. I was presented with the opportunity to own the Atlanta Academy of Dental Assisting—a chance to blend my love for education with my deep roots in dentistry. Walking away from the stability of corporate America wasn’t an easy decision, but it was a risk worth taking. I knew this was my chance to bet on myself, to pour my knowledge and passion into a venture that would inspire and empower others.

Three years later, I can confidently say it was the best decision of my life. Running the Atlanta Academy of Dental Assisting has been an incredible journey of purpose and impact. I wake up each day energized by the opportunity to see our students grow, achieve their dreams, and transform their lives. It’s not just about teaching technical skills—it’s about fostering the mindset, confidence, and resilience needed to succeed.

Owning this school has allowed me to weave together every chapter of my life—my years as a dental assistant, my teaching and management experience, and my corporate career in fintech—into something truly meaningful. I’m grateful for every step of this journey and excited for the future as I continue to help others create their own paths to success.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all, but the challenges have shaped who I am today. Being a wife and a mother always comes first for me, and that has made balancing everything else both deeply rewarding and incredibly hard. There were times when I felt pulled in so many directions—trying to be fully present for my family while also giving 100% to my career. The mom guilt would get me at times because of work commitments, even today at times.

In every chapter of my career—whether I was working as a dental assistant, teaching students, managing instructors, or traveling for corporate meetings in fintech—the demands were relentless. Long hours, tight deadlines, and constant travel often meant sacrificing sleep, missing family time, or just being away from home for work obligations. There were times when I felt like I was running on empty, wondering if I was giving enough of myself to everyone who depended on me.

But through it all, my family has been first. They’ve been my “why” on the hard days and my greatest supporters throughout it all. My husband is my anchor and we lean on each other. My son will get the benefit of growing up seeing the value of hard work and dedication.

The hardest part of the journey was learning that I couldn’t be everything to everyone all the time—and that it’s okay. Some days, work needed more of me, and some days, my family did. The key has been finding the grace to allow myself to not be perfect, to ask for help when I needed it, and to embrace the ebbs and flows of this life I’ve built.

The road hasn’t been smooth, but every twist and turn has been worth it. I’m proud of the sacrifices I’ve made because they’ve allowed me to build something meaningful—not just for my family, but for myself and the people I’ve been blessed to help along the way.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Atlanta Academy of Dental Assisting?
At the Atlanta Academy of Dental Assisting, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive, hands-on training for aspiring dental professionals. Our program offering is a 20-week Dental Assistant Course that combines practical experience with flexible scheduling. Students attend classes one day per week, with options available during the weekday, and weekends to accommodate diverse schedules.

We also offer an Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) Course, designed for current dental assistants and dental offices aiming to enhance their team’s capabilities. This monthly course allows dental assistants to perform additional tasks and duties, thereby increasing productivity and career satisfaction.

What sets us apart is our commitment to personalized education. Our small class sizes ensure one-on-one instruction, fostering a supportive learning environment where students can thrive. We take pride in our job placement assistance, leveraging our industry connections to help graduates embark on successful careers.

Our students’ success stories speak volumes about our impact. For instance, one graduate shared, “The training and placement assistance helped me secure a position as a dental assistant, making more money than I ever had.”

At the Atlanta Academy of Dental Assisting, we are more than an educational institution; we are a community dedicated to empowering individuals through quality education and hands-on experience. Our goal is to equip students with the skills and confidence needed to excel in the dental field, ultimately transforming their lives and the lives of those they will serve.

What makes you happy?
What makes me happy is seeing growth and progress—not just in myself but in others as well. There’s an indescribable joy in watching someone realize their potential, overcome challenges, and achieve something they once thought was out of reach. Whether it’s a student at the Atlanta Academy of Dental Assisting mastering a skill or landing their first job, or even my child hitting milestones and discovering his passions, it’s those moments of progress that fill me with pride and purpose.

Progress reminds me that the journey, with all its ups and downs, is worth it. It’s about moving forward, even if the steps are small. It keeps me motivated and connected to the bigger picture. Whether it’s personal growth, professional milestones, or the impact I can have on others, progress is what fuels my happiness. It’s proof that change is possible, and that we’re all capable of becoming the best versions of ourselves.

Pricing:

• Monthly Payments under $200
• WIOA Grants Accepted
• One-time Payment Specials

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.atldentalassistant.com
• Instagram: @atldentalassistant
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atldentalassistant
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Atldentalassistant
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/atldentalassistant/