Wayne Community College recognized the 18 members of its Dental Assisting class of 2016 in a pinning ceremony July 28.
The annual service denotes the end of the students’ academic journey and welcomes them into the dental profession. It includes formal presentation of pins to each graduate by the program’s faculty and introduction of the graduates to the audience as dental assistants.
In commenting on how the graduates had met the challenges of the program, Dental Assisting Instructor Monika Donnelly said, “You are sitting here today because you have committed yourself to developing your mind and your skills through your education.”
“With hard work and dedication,” Ms. Donnelly said, “you have broadened your understanding of social responsibilities and opened the doors to realizing your dreams.”
Dr. Scott Matthews of Matthews Cosmetic and Family Dentistry was the guest speaker. He charged the graduates to put service before self – service to patients, their dentist, their staff and team, and the community.
“Professionals give back to the communities they live in,” Dr. Matthews said. “Please give back your time, talents, and treasures.”
This year’s graduates, listed by city of residence, are
Maria V. DiCesare, Bailee D. Ellis, and Elsy M. Ruiz of Goldsboro;
Evelyn Avila of Dudley;
Jasmin R. Cruz of Seven Springs;
Danielle H. Fail of Rosewood;
Elizabeth Avellaneda of La Grange;
Kasey M. Joyner and Kellie Potter of Kinston;
Brianna Champion of Kenly;
Mia L. Owens of Faison;
Adrean N. Parker of Clinton;
Victoria L. Parrish of Benson;
Reyna I. Carranza of Four Oaks;
Veronica Raya of Rocky Mount;
Sarah Ruth Tawney of Winterville;
Lindsey N. Waters of Grifton; and
Annie Jackson of Momeyer, N.C.
Four students were honored for outstanding performance.
Ms. Joyner accepted the Clinical Achievement Award for both a high clinical grade point average and outstanding reviews from rotation sites. It was noted that Ms. Joyner had demonstrated excellent patient care, professionalism, enthusiasm, and self-motivation.
Ms. Waters earned the Academic Achievement Award for the highest grade point average while in the dental assisting courses.
Ms. Ruiz garnered the Expanded Functions Achievement Award. She exceeded the requisite number of these “extra” functions that dental assisting students can only perform in the last two semesters of their training.
Ms. Ellis won the Patient Care Award for overall positive attitude, and genuine care and concern for patients. She exhibited professionalism, compassion, teamwork, and enthusiasm. Her name will be added to a plaque that hangs in the college’s dental clinic.
It was noted that Ms. Fail, Ms. Potter, Ms. Raya, and Ms. Tawney had served as officers in the Dental Assisting Student Association and that Ms. Champion and Ms. Joyner were Student Government Association representatives.
The Dental Assisting Student Association made a donation to the Foundation of Wayne Community College to be used for scholarships in appreciation for its support of members of the Dental Assisting Class of 2016. It also presented a class gift of two wet/dry vacuums for the classes that follow them to help “in quicker and more efficient clean up after dental materials lab.
Graduates who pass the Dental Assisting National Board examination can work as certified dental assistants.
Wayne Community College’s Dental Assisting Program is a limited-admission, three-semester diploma program. It is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
Wayne Community College is a public, two-year college located in Goldsboro with an open-door admission policy. As it works to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, it serves 14,000 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 100 college credit programs.
