Wayne Community College recognized the 24 members of its Dental Hygiene class of 2016 in a formal pinning ceremony at the college on May 6.
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
Lyndsay Danielle Carter of Beulaville;
Diedra Rochelli Hayes, Paige Katherine Walls, and Patricia Anne Mitchell of Clayton;
Brittney Lynn King of Clinton;
Casey Henke Goodall of Coats;
Ashley Louellen Copper and Emily Ann Sturgill of Dunn;
Whitley Caroline Wilson of Elm City;
Rachel Sterling Morrison and Alison McKenzie Wathen of Garner;
Heather Michelle Drew, Ashley Michelle Fowler, and Gabrielle Nicole Morales of Goldsboro;
Kathryn Leigh Porter of Greenville;
Jaime Lyn Perry and Jamison Leigh Phillips of La Grange;
Amber Dawn Harper of Princeton;
Baleigh Renee Hill of Rocky Mount;
Logan Michelle Jones of Smithfield;
Brittany Nichole Raper of Wilson;
Sydney Michele Bowers of Tacoma, Wash.;
Christa Anne Murphy of Long Beach, Calif.; and
Abagael Elysse Jensen of Derby, Kan.
Dr. Kevin Buchholtz, an oral health section regional dentist supervisor with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, was the guest speaker for the ceremony. He encouraged the graduates to practice “the three As”: availability, affability, and ability. On the latter, Buchhultz said, “You know more than you think you do and your skills are better than you think they are.”
WCC dental hygiene classes traditionally present a gift to the college upon their matriculation. The class of 2016 announced the donation of a radio for the sterilization area of the college’s dental clinic and contributions 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.
Awards were presented to students “who shine in certain areas,” said Janeil Marak, chair of the WCC Dental Department.
The PDT (Paradise Dental Technologies) Scaling Award for excellence in patient consideration, professionalism, teamwork, enthusiasm, enjoyment of the role of dental hygienist, and excellent clinical skills went to Ms. Jones. She received a new set of instruments and a plaque.
The N.C. Dental Hygiene Academy of Advanced Studies Award, which includes a certificate and a free academy-sponsored continuing education course, was given to Ms. Carter. The award recognizes a student who excelled in patient motivation, communication skills, individualized instruction, community involvement, and professionalism.
Ms. Jensen earned the Highest Academic Achievement Award for the highest cumulative grade point average and exceptional work ethic. She was presented a plaque. This award is sponsored by the Foundation of Wayne Community College.
Ms. Hill garnered the S.T.A.R. (Student Total Achievement Recognition) Award for dedication, compassion in patient care, self-motivation, professionalism, and outstanding clinical skills. She was given a certificate and 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. Drew was recognized with the Community Health Award. It 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 provided by the Foundation of Wayne Community College and a cash award.
Two additional awards were provided by the Seminar Day Fund. Ms. Bowers 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. Morrison 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 written National Board Dental Hygiene Exam administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations of the American Dental Association and the clinical 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, the college serves 14,000 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry, and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 70 college credit programs. WCC’s mission is to meet the educational, training, and cultural needs of the communities it serves. Learn more at www.waynecc.edu.
