Wayne Community College pins dental hygiene Class of '12 in recent ceremony
By Staff Reports
Published in News on August 8, 2012 1:46 PM
Wayne Community College recognized the 23 members of its dental hygiene Class of 20012 in a formal pinning ceremony recently.
The annual service, which includes presentation of stoles and pins to graduates by the faculty, denotes the end of their academic journey and welcomes them into the dental profession.
The latest graduates are Josie Bell, Brittany Byrd, Nicole Capps, Corrine Chase, Kera Cote, Sarah Denham, Courtney Fentress, Ashel Fowler, Sarah Giddens, Gloria Hardy, Endie Herd, Heather Higgins, Brittany Jo Johnson, Megan McLamb, Elsie Modlin, Kalin Moore, Samantha Pierce, Heather Powell, Mary Sugg, Melissa Thornton, Regina Wassenhove, Candice Williams and Carrie Young.
Scott Matthews, who has a dental practice in Kinston, was the guest speaker.
"Every patient deserves 100 percent of you and 100 percent from you," he told the graduates. "Get to know them as well as you know their mouth."
WCC Dental Hygiene classes traditionally present a gift to the college upon their matriculation. The class of 2012 announced gifts of new specialty components for the dental department's copier and a donation to the Foundation of Wayne Community College in memory of Donica Shivar, a member of the Dental Hygiene class of 2008 who passed away in April 2009.
Sue Fowler, program coordinator, credited the class with being "one of the best groups for working as a team and showing each other compassion that has come through the WCC dental hygiene program."
Six awards were also handed out.
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. Hardy for her curiosity and potential for growth.
Two students shared the Highest Academic Achievement Award, provided by the Foundation of WCC. The award for the highest cumulative grade point average was shared by Ms. Moore and Ms. Cote.
Ms. Cote also was recognized with the Community Health Award, sponsored by the department's Seminar Day Fund. Criteria include showing initiative in community and Seminar Day activities, enthusiasm, exceeding normal expectations, and receiving excellent community-based evaluations. She received a plaque and a cash award.
The Procter & Gamble Preventive Dentistry Award was presented to Ms. Giddens for showing exemplary skills in patient motivation, communication, individualized instruction, and community involvement. She was awarded a plaque and will have her name engraved on a plaque in the dental department.
Ms. Byrd was recipient of the Colgate S.T.A.R. Award, recognizing dedication to the dental hygiene profession, compassion in patient care, enthusiasm for community service, and enjoyment of the role of dental hygienist. She will have her name added to a permanent plaque at the college, and receive one of her own.
The Paradise Dental Technologies Scaling Award for demonstration of patient consideration, professionalism, teamwork, self motivation and above average clinical skills went to Ms. Capps. She received a new set of instruments and a plaque.
The WCC dental hygiene program is a limited-admission, five-semester associate degree program that prepares students to practice as Registered Dental Hygienists. It is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.