Wayne Community College recognized the 26 members of its 2019 Dental Hygiene class in a formal pinning ceremony at the college on May 9.
The annual service, which included presentation of stoles and WCC dental hygiene pins to the graduates by the faculty of the program, marked the end of the graduates’ academic journey and welcomed them into the dental profession.
The stoles and pins were provided to the graduates by the WCC Student American Dental Health Association.
This year’s graduates are
Katie Caroline Anderson, Ashley Marie Russell, Brenda Santibanez of Goldsboro;
Allison Bailey of Fremont;
Riley Rae Martin of Brogden;
Meredith Anne Brown of Clayton;
Emily Morgan Fleming of Garner;
Amelia Mae Manriquez of Princeton;
Amber Logan Ward of Selma;
Kasi Brooke Gore of Faison;
Hannah Warren of Newton Grove;
Jada Holland Cannady of Spivey’s Corner;
Taylor Blair Mitchell of Deep Run;
Bailey Elizabeth Howell and Taylor Nicole Mercer of Kinston;
Mary Kathleen Thornton of La Grange;
Alyssa Marie Molina of Snow Hill;
Mikayla Lee Conner and Hayley Rose James of Greenville;
Lauren Elizabeth Anderson of Winterville;
Anna Wren Tyson of Elm City;
Holly Adale Moore of Franklinton;
Chloe Summerlin Kandare of Wilmington;
Sarah Nicole Cameron of Big Lake, Arkansas;
Emily Diann Ritcher of Pocatello, Idaho; and
Cynthia Mae Coker of Spokane, Washington.
WCC dental hygiene classes traditionally present a gift to the college upon their matriculation. The Class of 2019 announced that it would make a contribution to the Foundation of Wayne Community College in honor of the dental faculty and donate new handpieces for the clinic.
Awards were presented to students “who shine in certain areas,” said Dental Hygiene Instructor Nancy Lee.
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 was bestowed on Cameron. She received a new set of instruments and a plaque.
Warren earned the Highest Academic Achievement Award for the highest cumulative program grade point average (GPA). She was presented a plaque in recognition of her exceptional work ethic which led to her 3.5 GPA. This award is sponsored by the Foundation of Wayne Community College.
The S.T.A.R. (Student Total Achievement Recognition) Award for dedication, compassion in patient care, self-motivation, professionalism, and outstanding clinical skills went to Howell. 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.
Coker and Gore garnered the Community Health Award. It is sponsored by the department’s Seminar Day Fund. Criteria include showing enthusiasm and initiative in community and activities of the annual Seminar Day Continuing Education Course which exceed normal expectations. She received a plaque provided by the Seminar Day Fund.
This year the Dental Department sponsored four additional awards: highest radiography average, highest number of completed patients, Best All-Around Achievement Award, and Extra Effort Award.
Martin earned certificates for the highest radiography average and the highest number of completed patients for the 2018-2019 academic year. She had a 98.8 radiography average and completed 41 patients.
Katie Anderson won the Best All-Around Achievement Award. The award recognized consistent clinical performance in all areas of patient care, professionalism, and teamwork.
The Extra Effort Award went to Bailey for demonstrating willingness to help in several areas, putting forth extra effort with a positive attitude, and overcoming obstacles to achieve her goals.
Coker was honored with the Outstanding Student Curriculum Award. This award, voted on by the dental hygiene faculty, went to a student who demonstrated a willingness to attend after-hours functions as a class representative, and consistently demonstrated professionalism and teamwork. She was presented a plaque at the college’s Student Recognition Ceremony in April.
Kandare also had been previously recognized during the Recognition Ceremony. She was named to Who’s Who Among Students at Wayne Community College, which rewards the leading students for their academic excellence and the contributions they make to the college and community. Only 1 percent of the students who attend WCC are selected for this accolade annually.
It was noted that Lauren Anderson, Coker, Gore, and Manriquez had served as class officers; Kandare and Warren were WCC Student Government Association representatives; and Conner and Tyson were Student American Dental Hygiene Association Officers.
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 around 12,000 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.