Wayne Community College recognized the 21 members of its Dental Hygiene class of 2015 in a formal pinning ceremony at the college on May 15.
The annual service, which includes presentation of stoles and WCC dental hygiene pins to the graduates by the faculty of the program, denotes the end of the graduates’ academic journey and welcomes them into the dental profession.
This year’s graduates are
Sarah Nicole Hall of Benson;
Karli Marie Pelle of Clayton;
Jessy Nicole Joyner of Clinton;
Alarie Yelverton Jenkins and Courtney Elizabeth Speight of Fremont;
Cassie Nichole Jones of Garner;
Shawn Marie Cason, Taylor Murphy Falcone, Whitney Marie Frederick, and Tessa Taylor Meck of Goldsboro;
Kelly Nicole Wood of Greenville;
Taylor Brooke Williams of Kenly;
Miranda Lynn Canady and Melissa Jean Moore of Kinston;
Julia Elizabeth Melcher of Meadow;
Melissa Renee Collins and Rebecca Lei Pate of Pikeville;
Victoria Gail Wiggins of Vanceboro;
Katie Lea Arends of Willow Spring;
Roberta Rose Bunnell of Wilmington; and
Carley Megan McLeod of Wilson.
Jessica Kiser, a dental hygiene instructor at Cape Fear Community College, was the guest speaker for the ceremony. The former president of the N.C. Dental Hygiene Association and current District IV trustee with the American Dental Hygienists’ Association encouraged the class members to dream big, keep moving forward, and continue to learn. “Dreams don’t work unless you do,” she said.
WCC dental hygiene classes traditionally present a gift to the college upon their matriculation. The class of 2015 announced gifts of an intraoral camera and donations in the names of their instructors to the Donica Shivar Scholarship Fund, a memorial to a member of the WCC dental hygiene class of 2008 who passed away in April 2009.
Seven awards were presented to “students who shine in certain areas.”
The Paradise Dental Technologies (PDT) Scaling Award for demonstration of patient consideration, professionalism, teamwork, enthusiasm, enjoyment of the role of dental hygienist, and excellent clinical skills went to Ms. Wood. She received a new set of instruments and a plaque.
The N.C. Dental Hygiene Academy of Advanced Studies Award, which includes a certificate for a free continuing education course and a plaque, went to Ms. Meck. The award recognizes a student who excels in patient motivation, communication skills, individualized instruction, community involvement, and professionalism.
Ms. Speight earned the Highest Academic Achievement Award for the highest cumulative grade point average and exceptional work ethic. She was presented a plaque.
Ms. Melcher garnered the S.T.A.R. Award that recognizes dedication, compassion in patient care, self motivation, professionalism, and outstanding clinical skills. She was given a plaque and her name was added to a permanent plaque that hangs in the college’s dental department. The award is sponsored by Colgate.
Ms. Cason was recognized with the Community Health Award, which is sponsored by the department’s Seminar Day Fund. Criteria include showing enthusiasm and initiative in community and Seminar Day activities that exceeded normal expectations. She received a plaque and a cash award.
Two additional awards were provided by the Seminar Day Fund. Ms. Wiggins was presented a certificate and cash award in recognition of having completed the most “acceptable” patient full-mouth probes during the current school year. Ms. Jones was honored for having completed the highest number of patients in the school year. Each received a certificate and a cash prize.
Once the graduates pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam administered by the American Dental Association, Joint Commission on Dental Examinations and the Council of Interstate Testing Agencies’ Regional Exam, they can apply to the State Board of Dental Examiners for licensure and become Registered Dental Hygienists in North Carolina.
Wayne Community College’s Dental Hygiene Program is a limited-admission, five-semester associate degree program. It is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
Wayne Community College is a public, learning-centered institution with an open-door admission policy located in Goldsboro, N.C. As it works to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, it serves 14,500 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 90 college credit programs.
Wayne Community College’s mission is to meet the educational, training, and cultural needs of the communities it serves.
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