![](\"https:\/\/magazines.uthscsa.edu\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2016\/11\/Cynthia_Giles_W_Story-300x300.jpg\")
Mark LittleStar, D.D.S., assistant dean for predoctoral clinics, said everyone who has come through the School of Dentistry \u201cknows Cindy and how she has touched each of their lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe is such a bright spot. Cindy is the epitome of someone who cares about people, and everyone recognizes it,\u201d he said. \u201cShe is just delightful. We are very fortunate that she is part of the School of Dentistry family.<\/p>\n
\u201dThat is how Giles describes those who she has worked with in the dental school.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are one big family. We are best friends,\u201d she said. \u201cThey are all wonderful to work with. We help each other. And, there is never a dull moment here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beatrice Pena, UT Dentistry San Antonio clinic manager, calls Giles a \u201cjewel\u201d who strictly comes to the clinic to work and to focus on the students.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe is an excellent dental assistant. If we could clone her, we would,\u201d Pena said. \u201cA patient came in recently who had been here 20 years ago. When he heard Cynthia\u2019s laugh, he couldn\u2019t believe she was still working here. He insisted that he was moved to her group so he could be seen by her.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gary Guest, D.D.S., associate dean for patient care, said even though Giles has worked at the dental school for more than four decades, she still maintains the same level of enthusiasm as the year she started.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe works so well with students and is always so positive. She is a true team player,\u201d Dr. Guest said.<\/p>\n
Kevin Gureckis, D.M.D., general practice group leader for third- and fourth-year students, calls Giles an advocate for successful dentistry for the patients and the students.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith a smile and a laugh, she puts the students to ease. She gives them confidence and that transfers on to the patients,\u201d he said. \u201cAfter more than 40 years, you can count on her 120 percent each day.\u201d<\/p>\n
When asked how she maintains her positive, infectious attitude, Giles attributes it to her family. \u201cWe were taught to respect everyone and always have a good attitude. I treat everyone at work like I treat my family,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
For more than 40 years, Cynthia Giles, registered dental assistant, has brought an unwavering dedication and a positive, infectious attitude to the School of Dentistry.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":304,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"magazine":[23],"issue-year":[19],"featured-story":[],"class_list":["post-72","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-academics","magazine-salute","issue-year-19"],"yoast_head":"\n