Wayne Community College’s 2025 Dental Assisting graduates were celebrated at a special ceremony where they received pins from their instructors, signifying their transition from students to dental professionals.
Emily Beasley, graduate and secretary of the Dental Assisting Student Association (DASA), reflected on the students’ hard work that led to the symbolic pinning ceremony. “We’ve learned how to care for others, how to support a dental team, and how to be a steady, calming presence for our patients. But we’ve also learned something deeper: that this field is just as much about heart as it is about skill,” she said.
Dr. Kendall Mitchell was the ceremony’s guest speaker. She and her husband own and operate Mitchell Family Dentistry in Kinston. “Dental assisting is often described as a behind-the-scenes role, but anyone in the field knows that’s not the case. You are the glue that holds the dental practice together,” Mitchell told the graduates. “Your presence matters, and your skills matter.”
Caitlyn Beddard, graduate and DASA president, addressed the ceremony’s attendees on behalf of her class. “If I had to sum up this class in one word, it would be ‘team.’ No one got through this year alone,” she said.
“I’ve seen your dedication, your compassion, and your heart, and I know without a doubt that each of you will go on to make a real impact in your patients’ lives,” Beddard told her classmates.
Several awards were presented to graduates during the ceremony with each recipient receiving a plaque.
Mae Adams earned the Academic Achievement Award as the student with the highest grade point average in the Dental Assisting curriculum.
Adams also received the Expanded Function Achievement Award for her excellence in the expanded functions that Dental Assisting students are required to complete during the last two semesters of their clinical experience.
The Clinical Achievement Award was given to Amy Galvez Ortiz for having a high grade point average and receiving positive feedback from dental rotation sites. She was awarded for demonstrating excellent patient care, professionalism, enthusiasm, and self-motivation.
The Patient Care Award went to Arely Hernandez-Garcia for showing genuine care and concern for patients and exhibiting professionalism, compassion, teamwork, and enthusiasm. Her name will be added to a plaque displayed in the Dental Department.
During the ceremony, the Dental Assisting graduating class presented a monetary gift to the Foundation of WCC in appreciation of its support.
The 18 Dental Assisting graduates, listed by city of residence, are:
Clayton
Stella Moeller
Dudley
Daniela Perez-Hernandez
Goldsboro
Jennifer Avila
Kenly
Emily Beasley
Payton Bridgers
La Grange
Mae Adams
Caitlyn Beddard
Madison Brown
Mount Olive
Amy Galvez Ortiz
Allya Segura
Nahunta
Haley Cotton
Pikeville
Payton Peele
Pink Hill
Arely Hernandez-Garcia
Laura Yanez-Munoz
Rocky Mount
Kyleigh Lewis
Seven Springs
Yasmi Vasquez-Morales
Warsaw
Ashley Muniz Martinez
Wilson
Claire Barkley
WCC’s limited-admission Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and teaches students to assist dentists in providing treatment services. Students who successfully complete the program earn a diploma and become certified dental assistants upon passing the Dental Assisting National Board exam.
Learn more about the program on WCC’s website.
About Wayne Community College
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 around 10,000 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry, and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 150 college credit programs. WCC’s mission is to meet the educational, training, and cultural needs of the communities it serves.