Dental hygiene class graduates
By From staff reports
Published in News on May 13, 2017 11:38 PM
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Wayne Community College's largest dental hygiene class was recently honored at a pinning ceremony. Front row from left, Mckayla Grace Parks, golden scaler award; Megan Nicole Adams, S.T.A.R. Award and awards for Most Patients; Kaylee Nichole Bradford, highest academic achievement award; and Shelle Brooke Anderson, community health award. Back row, Keely Jane Masak, Who's Who Among Students at WCC; Hannah Louise Monroig, award for most full mouth probes; and Ashlee "Doodle" Gay, PDT Scaling Award.
Wayne Community College recognized its largest dental hygiene class in the program's nearly 50-year history.
The formal pinning ceremony, held May 9, denotes the end of the graduates' academic journey and welcomes them into the dental profession.
The annual service included presentation of stoles and WCC dental hygiene pins to the 28 graduates by the faculty of the program. The items were provided to the graduates by the WCC Student American Dental Health Association and gowns were donated by David Wilson, stepfather of one of the graduates.
This year's graduates include Megan Adams; Shelle Anderson, class president; Jennifer Bogenn, Student Government Association representative; Kaylee Bradford, WCC Student American Dental Hygiene Association president; Melanie Cole; Melissa Eller, class officer; Yesenia Garnica; Ashlee "Doodle" Gay, WCC SADHA officer; Megan Gerrell; Ashley Givens, class officer; Maria Gutierrez; Taylor Hardy; Rachel Holland; Taylor Howell; Kari Jackson; Kimberlyn Jones, SGA representative; Malorie Kahl; Keely Masak, class vice president; Hannah Monroig, WCC SADHA representative; Lauren Moore; Amber Oates; Mckayla Parks; Summer Pierce; Jeri Smith; Icela Vasquez; Rebecca White; Ashley Williford; and Tristan Worthington.
Adrienne Northington, executive director of the Foundation of Wayne Community College, was the guest speaker. She encouraged the graduates to "pay it forward and help others just as others have helped you receive your education."
The Foundation gave dental hygiene students 44 scholarships worth $25,000, of the 544 scholarships totaling $393,000, awarded to 344 students during the current academic year, she said.
The Class of 2017 presented the traditional gift to the college, in the form of a printer and digital camera for the dental department.
Dental hygiene instructor Nancy Lee handed out several awards to outstanding students.
Ms. Gay received 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.
Ms. Parks was presented the Golden Scaler Award sponsored by HuFriedy dental supply company. It recognizes a graduate who excels in patient motivation, communication skills, individualized instruction, clinical skills and professionalism.
Ms. Bradford earned the Highest Academic Achievement Award, sponsored by the Foundation, for the highest cumulative grade point average (GPA). She was presented a plaque in recognition of her exceptional work ethic, which led to her 3.925 GPA.
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 Ms. Adams.
She was also recognized for completing 54 patients, the highest number for the 2016-2017 academic year, 14 above the requirement.
An award provided by the Seminar Day Fund was for the most "acceptable" patient full-mouth probes during the current school year. Ms. Monroig completed 10 probes.
Ms. Anderson received the Community Health Award, 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.
Masak was acknowledged for being named to Who's Who Among Students at Wayne Community College. Less than one percent of the college's population is selected for the annual award based on personal excellence and contributions to the college and the community.
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.