Meet the Faces of GSDM: Darlina “Ms. Dolly” Walker, Dental Assistant
Darlina Walker, widely known as Ms. Dolly, takes pride in being the life of the party—and of the GSDM predoctoral patient treatment center.
When Walker enters the dental school, she can barely take a few steps before students, staff, and faculty alike stop her to say hello. It’s been this way ever since she started working at GSDM 25 years ago. She hopes it never stops.
“I’ve touched the lives of many people. They have helped me. It has enriched my life,” Walker said. “It makes me feel like I have a sense of accomplishment and joy because I enjoy what I do. I enjoy interacting with people, and I feel grateful. Even though I’m getting older, and I’ve been here for quite some time, I could say I have a career that I enjoy, that I love.”
Walker now works as a dental assistant in the sixth floor Predoctoral Patient Treatment Center. She previously worked for 20 years in the radiology department as the “Queen of Radiology,” helping students with their techniques in including, but not limited to, taking x-rays, impressions, and cementing crowns. Yet despite her long history at GSDM, Walker did not even enter the dental profession until she was in her 30s.
At that time, she was working for a retail establishment that went out of business, leaving her in need of a new career path. She discovered that Massachusetts offered various certificate programs catered to individuals who were changing careers. This was a perfect opportunity for her, she said.
Walker selected a dental assistant program because it was a hands-on path that would allow her to start working in a few weeks. As part of the program, she had to complete a radiology certification at GSDM; she fell in love with the university and decided to apply for a job at GSDM. She’s been at GSDM ever since.
During Walker’s time at GSDM, she said it’s been incredible to see how the school has evolved. However, one thing Walker hopes never changes is her ability to forge meaningful connections with students.
“I’m a people person, I get to see students come and go. We form friendships, bonds that last through the years,” Walker said. “When we have alumni weekend, I’ll come, and they’ll say, ‘Ms. Dolly, thank you for helping me with taking X-rays. Many remember when you helped them with this.’ That means a lot to me because my efforts and the time that I spend here meant something to somebody, even if it’s one person. They respect me, and they appreciate the contribution I’ve made over the years. That’s something that will last a lifetime.”
Jobren Dingle DMD 17, clinical instructor of general dentistry, worked with Walker when he was a student. Now Dingle is GSDM faculty, creating a full circle moment in his relationship with Walker.
“Ms. Dolly was the person you went to when you needed help,” Dinge said. “I learned so much from her, and how she would always go above and beyond for her students. It’s such a privilege and honor to work with her.”
Kenisha Brannan DMD 25 is one of the many students who appreciates Walker’s positive energy in the predoctoral patient treatment center.
“Ms. Dolly is very nice,” Brannan said. “I met her before I went into clinic, so I already knew a familiar face. She looks out for you. If you need anything, you can go to her for help. Very helpful. Very reliable.”
As for her future at GSDM, Walker said she wants to continue promoting open and honest communication between staff and students. Her goal is to make sure all members of the GSDM community feel welcome and heard.
Being “Ms. Dolly” for 25 years—and counting—is her proudest professional achievement. Walker said she feels happy to have found a job she loves.
“Sometimes you can go your whole life and never find that, so I think that’s an accomplishment in it of itself,” Walker said.