STCC Dental Assistant grads honored at pinning ceremony
STCC Dental Assistant graduating students join faculty and guests at a pinning ceremony on Jan. 22. (Photo by Ed Cohen)
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Future dental assistants celebrated their academic accomplishments and looked to their future at a pinning ceremony at Springfield Technical Community College on Jan. 22.
Ten graduates of the Dental Assistant certificate program at STCC participated in the ceremony which honors their entry into the profession.
Faculty and leadership at STCC, including President John B. Cook, Vice President of Academic Affairs Christopher Thuot and Assistant Dean of the School of Health and Patient Simulation Kelli Goodkowsky and Trustees from the college, were on hand to congratulate the graduates. Dental Assistant is a one-year certificate program at STCC.
“The Dental Assisting Pinning Ceremony is a truly momentous occasion as we gather to celebrate the culmination of hard work, dedication and the unwavering commitment of these graduates,” Samantha Kelley, chair of the program, said at the event held at STCC. “We have watched each of them transform from first-day students who were nervous about cleaning a dental unit to accomplished and talented dental assistants who can now fabricate the perfect temporary crown and take X-rays with their eyes closed.”
Kelley described dental assistants as “the backbone of the dental office.” They assist the dentist, but also perform a range of behind-the-scenes tasks to keep the office running smoothly
The Dental Assisting Pinning Ceremony is a truly momentous occasion as we gather to celebrate the culmination of hard work, dedication and the unwavering commitment of these graduates.Samantha Kelley, Chair of STCC Dental Assistant program
While graduating students will be in demand for jobs in dental offices, some students choose to continue their education by studying Dental Hygiene, a two-year degree program at STCC.
Sarah Paré of Suffield, Conn., and Theresa Moran of Ludlow, Dental Hygiene students, spoke to the graduates at the pinning ceremony. Paré and Moran started their STCC journey in the Dental Assistant program, which they said is rigorous and requires serious dedication.
“Your perseverance has finally paid off and you should be incredibly proud of your accomplishments. We all are,” Paré said.
Graduating students received awards including leadership and achievement awards from the Valley District Dental Society, which has provided scholarships and support for the STCC program
The graduating Dental Assistant students include: Alyssa Diaz, Lizzy Kane, Su Kirca and Melena St. Jacques, all of Agawam; Tatiana Lamas of Ludlow; Mina Maigari, Shana Nguyen and Jalayna Patterson, all of Springfield; Maureen Marini of Hampden; and Alli Stuetzel of Feeding Hills.
Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu