Caitlyn Schallert, secretary of the Dental Assisting Student Association (DASA), welcomed attendees to the ceremony and spoke about the graduating class’s growth since starting the program.
“Throughout this program, we have learned so much, not only about dental assisting but also about teamwork, compassion, professionalism, and the importance of caring for others,” Schallert said. “We are so excited to begin serving our communities and making a positive impact on the lives of our future patients.”
Hannah Gay, DASA president, reflected on what the graduates’ pins symbolize. “They represent every challenge we overcame, every lesson we learned, and the dedication that brought us here,” she said. “They also symbolize the responsibility we now carry as future dental professionals.”
Dr. Hannah Webb, dentist at McLamb Place Dental, was the guest speaker at the ceremony. Webb began her journey in the field as a dental assistant, then completed her education at East Carolina University’s School of Dental Medicine.
Webb spoke about dental assistants’ integral role within the dental team and how they build trust with their patients. “As a dental assistant, you’re not just there for clinical support; you’re there for emotional support, too,” she said. “While patients may not always remember the filling you helped with or the X-ray you took, they will always remember how you made them feel.”
Emily Williams, DASA treasurer, presented the Foundation of WCC with a monetary gift on behalf of the Dental Assisting class of 2026. The gift will be used to support future students.
Several awards were presented to graduates during the ceremony, with each recipient receiving a plaque.
Sheili Arreaga Puac earned the Academic Achievement Award as the student with the highest grade point average in the Dental Assisting curriculum.
The Clinical Achievement Award was given to Cali Walker for having a high grade point average and receiving outstanding feedback from dental rotation sites. She was awarded for demonstrating excellent patient care, professionalism, enthusiasm, and self-motivation.
The Patient Care Award went to Ana Eslyn for showing genuine care and concern for patients and exhibiting professionalism, compassion, teamwork, and enthusiasm. Her name will be added to a plaque displayed in the Dental Department.
Hagar Saleh received the Expanded Function Achievement Award for her excellence in the expanded functions that Dental Assisting students are required to complete during the last two semesters of their clinical experience.
The 20 Dental Assisting graduates, listed by city of residence, are:
Beulaville
Annika Thigpen
Dudley
Yuliana Ponce-Garcia
Fremont
Hannah Gay
Goldsboro
Emma Holmes
Morgan Miller
Hagar Saleh
Caitlyn Schallert
Kenly
Yurith Ponce
Kinston
Andrea Perez
La Grange
Lisset Ortiz-Arellano
Middlesex
Sheili Arreaga Puac
Mount Olive
Angeles Isabel Castro-Quich
Ana Eslyn
Laura Summerlin
Princeton
Gladys Ponce-Juarez
Ashlyn Woodard
Seven Springs
Mairene Molina-Pineda
Emily Williams
Sneads Ferry
Cali Walker
Wilson
Makenzie Parker
WCC’s limited-admission Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Students who complete the program earn a diploma and become Certified Dental Assistants upon passing the Dental Assisting National Board exam.
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