Dental Hygiene Program Celebrates Class of 2025 Pinning Ceremony

Hanceville, Ala. — Wallace State Community College recently hosted a pinning ceremony for its Dental Hygiene program's Class of 2025. The event celebrated the achievements of 25 exceptional graduates who have successfully completed the rigorous program and are now ready to begin their professional careers as dental hygienists.

In her address to the students, Program Director Susan Brewer emphasized the importance of oral health care and the positive impact these graduates will have on patient care in Alabama. She pointed out the significant contributions the graduates have already made to the community, having treated 1,878 patients, including 638 children and adolescents, 266 senior adults, and 546 special needs and medically compromised patients.

Brewer also highlighted the perseverance and dedication of the graduates. She proudly announced that all graduates successfully completed the clinical board examination, showcasing their determination and resilience.

“You have faced challenges, overcome obstacles, and continually pushed yourselves to excel. And excel you did,” Brewer said.

Instructor Halli Melton said the Class of 2025 showed a great deal of initiative right from the beginning. Many of the students worked outside of their required clinical times to complete their requirements early.

“Faculty have been remarkably impressed with your tenacity to further your skills,” Melton said.

Several awards were presented to outstanding graduates:

• Dental Hygiene Program Award: Lauren Russell of Mount Olive
• Dental Hygiene Club Award, Jane Barber Memorial Award and Academic Excellence Award: Mackenzie Groves of Albertville
• Irene Newman Award: Samantha Mahoney of Warrior
• Douglas Allen Memorial Award: Denise Castillo of Bessemer
• Jane Barber Memorial Award: Mackenzie Groves of Albertville
• Academic Excellence Award: Shannon McMurtrey of Boaz, Bethany Noah of Gadsden, Hui Deng of Guntersville, Mackenzie Groves of Albertville
• Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler: Mackenzie Keel of Harvest
• Colgate Star Award: Anastasia Skidmore of Jasper
• Spirit Award: Jessica Martinez of Russellville, Ben Alvarado-Gonzales of Oneonta, Karen Tran of Florence

The graduates were encouraged to embrace their new roles as dental hygienists, make a difference in the lives of their patients, and continue striving for excellence.

“Enjoy this moment to the fullest because you have earned it. Embrace the privilege and responsibility that comes with being a dental hygienist,” Brewer said.

The Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs at Wallace State are accepting applications through June 1 for Fall 2025 entry. Visit the programs’ pages at www.wallacestate.edu or call 256.352.8300 for more information.

Registration for the summer and fall semesters is currently underway. Summer classes begin May 27 and fall classes begin Aug. 19. For more information, visit www.wallacestate.edu, call Lion Central at 256.352.8236 or come by the Hanceville or Oneonta campus centers. Current and incoming students may schedule an advising session with the Center for Student Success at www.wallacestate.edu/advising.

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About Wallace State

Wallace State Community College (Ala.), a member of the Alabama Community College System, is a comprehensive community college in north central Alabama offering more than 200 options in academic, health and technical programs of study leading to an associate degree, certificate or transfer, as well as workforce-credit training and adult education. An Achieving the Dream Leader College, nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute as a Rising Star for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, ranked by Southern Business and Development among the Top 3 institutions in the South for workforce development, named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing and the National Security Administration, rated the Top Online Community College in Alabama, a Military Friendly Institution and an All-Steinway School, Wallace State is an outstanding place for students to pursue their education and career goals. Classes are offered online and on campus, day, evening and on weekends, with numerous start dates each year. Visit Wallace State’s beautiful main campus located on 300-acres in Hanceville, Ala., our satellite location in downtown Oneonta, Ala., find us online at www.wallacestate.edu, or call 256.352.8000.

Samantha Mahoney of Warrior was presented with the Irene Newman Award, presented in recognition of excellence in preventative oral health.

Denise Castillo of Bessemer received the Douglas Allen Memorial Award in recognition of considerate care.

Mackenzie Groves of Albertville received the Jane Barber Memorial Award in recognition of volunteerism and overall contribution to Dental Hygiene.

Academic Excellence Award: Shannon McMurtrey of Boaz, Bethany Noah of Gadsden, Hui Deng of Guntersville, and Mackenzie Groves of Albertville.

 Mackenzie Keel of Harvest received the Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler award.

Anastasia Skidmore of Jasper received the Colgate Star Award.

Ben Alvarado-Gonzales of Oneonta,  Jessica Martinez of Russellville and Karen Tran of Florence received the Spirit Award.