WCC dental hygiene class graduates, several honored
By Staff Reports
Published in News on August 28, 2016 1:45 AM
Wayne Community College recently recognized the 24 members of its dental hygiene class of 2016 in a formal pinning ceremony.
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.
The course of study, a five-semester associate degree program, is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
Once 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.
Members of the latest graduating class included Heather Drew, Ashley Fowler and Gabrielle Morales of Goldsboro; Jaime Perry and Jamison Phillips of La Grange; Amber Harper of Princeton; Lyndsay Carter of Beulaville; Ashley Copper of Dunn; Casey Goodall of Coats; Diedra Hayes, Paige Walls and Patricia Mitchell of Clayton; Baleigh Hill of Rocky Mount; Logan Jones of Smithfield; Brittney King of Clinton; Rachel Morrison and Alison Wathen of Garner; Kathryn Porter of Greenville; Brittany Raper of Wilson; Emily Sturgill of Dunn; Whitley Wilson of Elm City; Sydney Bowers of Tacoma, Wash.; Christa Murphy of Long Beach, Calif.; and Abagael Jensen of Derby, Kansas.
For the traditional gift, the Class of 2016 chose to donate a radio for the sterilization area of the clinic and made contributions in the name of their instructors to the Donica Shivar Sholarship Fund, a memorial to a student in the Class of 2008 who died in 2009.
Awards were also presented to several students.
Ms. Jones received the Paradise Dental Technologies scaling award for excellence in patient consideration, professionalism, teamwork, enthusiasm, enjoyment of the role of dental hygienist and excellent clinical skills.
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.
Ms. Hill received the S.T.A.R. award, for Student Total Achievement Recognition, sponsored by Colgate, for dedication, compassion in patient care, self-motivation, professionalism and outstanding clinical skills.
Ms. Drew was recognized with the community health award, sponsored by the department's Seminar Day Fund. Criteria include showing enthusiasm and initiative in community and related activities.
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.