GOLDSBORO, N.C. – Eighteen students from Wayne Community College’s Dental Assisting program were honored at a special pinning ceremony, marking their transition from students to certified dental professionals ready to enter the workforce.
Ceremony Highlights Class Unity and Dedication
The symbolic pinning ceremony celebrated the hard work and dedication of the Class of 2025, with graduates receiving pins from their instructors to signify their new professional status.
Emily Beasley, graduate and secretary of the Dental Assisting Student Association (DASA), spoke about the comprehensive education the students received. “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,” Beasley said. “But we’ve also learned something deeper: that this field is just as much about heart as it is about skill.”
Class president Caitlyn Beddard emphasized the collaborative spirit that defined their educational experience. “If I had to sum up this class in one word, it would be ‘team.’ No one got through this year alone,” she told ceremony attendees. “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.”
Guest Speaker Emphasizes Critical Role of Dental Assistants
Dr. Kendall Mitchell, who owns and operates Mitchell Family Dentistry in Kinston with her husband, served as the ceremony’s guest speaker. She addressed common misconceptions about the profession while highlighting its importance.
“Dental assisting is often described as a behind-the-scenes role, but anyone in the field knows that’s not the case,” Mitchell told the graduates. “You are the glue that holds the dental practice together. Your presence matters, and your skills matter.“
Outstanding Students Recognized with Awards
Several graduates received special recognition for their exceptional performance during the program:
Academic Achievement Award: Mae Adams earned this honor for maintaining the highest grade point average in the Dental Assisting curriculum. Adams also received the Expanded Function Achievement Award for excellence in the specialized functions required during the final two semesters of clinical experience.
Clinical Achievement Award: Amy Galvez Ortiz was recognized for her high academic performance and positive feedback from dental rotation sites. The award acknowledged her excellent patient care, professionalism, enthusiasm, and self-motivation.
Patient Care Award: Arely Hernandez-Garcia received this recognition for demonstrating genuine care and concern for patients while exhibiting professionalism, compassion, teamwork, and enthusiasm. Her name will be permanently displayed on a plaque in the Dental Department.
Class Gives Back to College Foundation
In a gesture of appreciation, the graduating class presented a monetary gift to the Foundation of WCC, recognizing the institution’s support throughout their educational journey.
Meet the 2025 Graduates
The 18 graduates, organized by their city of residence, include:
- 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
About WCC’s Dental Assisting Program
Wayne Community College’s limited-admission Dental Assisting program holds accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The program prepares students to assist dentists in providing comprehensive treatment services to patients.
Students who successfully complete the program earn a diploma and become certified dental assistants upon passing the Dental Assisting National Board exam. More information about the program is available on WCC’s website.
