Graduating dental hygienists honored at awards banquet

On Thursday, July 22, the Dental Hygiene class of 2021 gathered for a senior banquet to recognize and celebrate the graduates and to present fifteen awards. These awards honored students for their academic achievement, community involvement, leadership skills, and more.

“From the first day, we noticed your class was different,” reflected Yvette Reibel, RDH, EdD, clinical director and clinical associate professor in the Division of Dental Hygiene during her remarks. “You didn’t just listen and learn. You asked questions. You weren’t just dreamers. You were doers. Doers not only plan and execute, but they accomplish their dreams.”

The School of Dentistry is immensely proud of these students, who succeeded in completing their programs despite unprecedented challenges and obstacles. We’re proud to honor the recipients of the 2021 Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy awards.

Kathleen J. Newell Student Achievement Award

This annual award is presented to the most outstanding dental hygiene student overall on the basis of personal character, leadership, and scholarship. These characteristics are embodied by Dr. Kathy Newell, a distinguished alumnus who has dedicated over 30 years to the Dental Hygiene program at the School of Dentistry.

Jenna Gardner

American Association of Public Health Dentistry Award for Achievement in Community Dentistry and Dental Public Health

This award recognizes and honors a student’s special interest and achievement in community dentistry and public health.

Alexa Weiss

Colgate Student Total Achievement Recognition (STAR) Award

This award is in recognition of a student’s dedication to the dental hygiene profession, compassion in patient care, and enthusiasm for the role of the dental hygienist and community service.

Sheridan Salisbury

Dental Hygiene Writing Award

This award recognizes and honors a student’s achievement in writing.

Breanna Clark

Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award

This award is presented to a dental professional that demonstrates exceptional talents and skills in celebration of their accomplishments.

Melissa Ferguson

Louise C. Ball Scholarship

This award is presented to a selected senior who is in good academic standing and has established financial need.

Jenna Gardner

Metro Dentalcare Fellow Student Mentor Award

This award is presented to a student selected by the underclass who exhibits a high level of interpersonal communication skills, who is involved in other activities and is supportive to and of the underclass.

Lorena Vasquez

Naomi Rhode Dental Hygienist Patient Relationship Award

This award recognizes a graduating student who has exhibited exceptional interpersonal skills with patients.

Bradley Olsen

Park Dental Service Excellence Award

This award is based on commitment to quality patient care and service to the community.

Melissa Ferguson

Shirley Burgan Lichtwardt

This award is presented to a student with above average academic standing, financial need, and potential as a dental professional.

Serena Slove

Sigma Phi Alpha Award

This award is presented to an outstanding member of the class for maintaining the highest academic standing in class.

Bridget Rahm

Sigma Phi Alpha Elected Student Award

The society recognizes and honors scholarship, leadership, character, contribution to the profession, and potential of professional growth among graduating dental hygiene students. Each year, faculty select 10% of the graduating class to membership.

Lorena Vasquez
Ngan Vu

Special Care Dentistry Association Student Award

This award is presented to a student who demonstrates a sincere interest and concern for the needs of patients with special needs and meets one or more of the criteria as posted on the SCDA nomination application.

Mikala Sundquist

Dental Therapy: Karl D. Self Student Achievement Award

This award is presented to a senior dental therapy student in recognition of outstanding leadership, scholarship and personal character.

Phonsuda Chanthavisouk