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“This is a momentous occasion,� said Lisa Johnson, director of the dental hygienist program. “Every student in our inaugural class took a chance on a new program with no track record, no history … You embraced my vision for this program and helped me make it better.�

The dental hygienist program was launched by Blackhawk Technical College in the fall of 2022 in response to a growing need for skilled professionals in oral health care, particularly in the roles of dental hygienists and dental assistants. The program offers an associate degree, enabling graduates to pursue licensure as dental hygienists.

Students in the program also help run Blackhawk’s Dental Clinic, which is open to community members at a reduced cost.

After completion of the program, dental hygienist graduates are required to complete comprehensive written and clinical examinations given under the direction of the State Dentistry Examining Board, and the American Dental Association’s Joint Commission.

Of the 10 dental hygienist graduates, two were award recipients during the pinning.

Nancy Espana was the recipient of the Dental Hygienist Rising Star Award, given to the student who has demonstrated exceptional growth. Brittany Oren was given the Golden Sailor Award, given to a student who has demonstrated remarkable skill and talent.

Also, Lisa Anderson was a recipient of a scholarship from the Wisconsin Hospital Association.

Twelve graduates in Blackhawk’s dental assistant program also celebrated the completion of their degree during the pinning ceremony.

“The future you have been planning for is here. We are so lucky to be in a profession where every day at work, we have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life,� Kristin Ziegler, a dental assistant instructor, told graduates.

In addition to Espana, Oren and Anderson, dental hygienist graduates included Karson Bailey, Morgan Berg, Mackenzie Byrne, Haley Dunphy, Sara Gibson, Gracie Hill and Miranda Slaback.

The dental assistant graduates included Carissa Carney, Kylie Cole, Regina Cole, Regina Gillen, Zaria Holbrook, Madyson Mitchell, Melody Ramirez, Riley Runkel, Jessica Seuser, Jenna Shinkus, Kyla Stacy, Julianna Verduzco and Tove Westermeyer.