Gia Martinez AS, BS, MA, RDA
Program Director, Orange County Dental Assisting Program
Dr. Martinez is a multifaceted education professional driven by her commitment to helping students achieve academic and personal success. With nearly 20 years of teaching and advice in both traditional and administrative settings, Dr. Martinez has a proven track record in classroom management, quality recruiting, enhancing workplace culture and strategic planning. Dr. Martinez has a robust educational background, holding an Associate in Medical Science from San Gabriel Valley Regional Occupational Program (ROP), a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management from Platt College and a Master’s in Psychology in Education from Grand Canyon University. Most recently, Dr. Martinez earned her PhD in Education from Grand Canyon University.
Beginning in 2005, Dr. Martinez supervised 18 orthodontic residents in her role as a Registered Dental Assistant and Orthodontic Instructor at USC’s School of Dentistry. Since then, she has held a wide range of leadership roles including Allied Health Director at Everest College, Director of Admissions at InterCoast Colleges and Assistant Director of Admissions at UEI College.
As Program Director of the Dental Assisting program at ACC’s Orange County campus, Dr. Martinez takes on various responsibilities. Among them, she monitors student progress, delivers individualized instruction, upholds accreditation standards and provides dental career advice — all while fostering an uplifting and professional learning environment.
