More than 25 graduate from WSCC Dental Hygiene program

HANCEVILLE, Ala. — Wallace State Community College’s Dental Hygiene program celebrated the success of more than 25 students who completed the program and are ready to step into careers as dental hygienist.

“I’ve watched them come in and start out as new learners and now they are confident and competent individuals, and they are ready to go out and go out and conquer the world of dental hygiene,” said Hallie Melton, Clinical Coordinator.

Program chair Dr. Susan Brewer outlined the impact the students have had during their five semesters in the program.

“You have seen almost 3,000 patients, including over 1,200 adults, 300 children, 400 adolescence, 350 seniors and 650 special needs patients,” Brewer said. “That’s the impact you as a group have had and we haven’t even let you out in the world yet. So just imagine the wonderful things that you will do once you’re licensed and out in the world. You’re going to have an amazing impact.”

“This group being celebrated today is an inspiring one that has made an impression on me and who I grew to love quickly,” said class president Candace Peppers. “I’ve enjoyed watching this group become confident in dental hygiene and in life. This group is ready to go and do the hard things and make a positive impact on the people that they treat.”

In her comments to the class, instructor Dr. Stephanie Eisner quoted Albert Schweitzer – “Success in not the key to happiness; happiness is the key to success. If you love what you’re doing, you will be successful.”

“And I want you to know that you make me feel like the most successful person on Earth,” Eisner said, “because I don’t know how anybody could be around all of you and not be happy.”

Several students were recognized during the pinning ceremony.

• Dental Program Award – Bryanna Mullins
• Dental Hygiene Club Award – Candace Peppers
• Irene Newman Award – Bryanna Mullins
• Douglas Allen Memorial Award – Cobe Gordon
• Jane Barber Memorial Award – Kayle Kassian
• Academic Excellence – Gabrielle Castellanos, Madilyn Edwards, Lilianna Sanchez, Fabiola Santacruz, Liza Wallace and Bonnie Blue Williams
• Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler - Breanna Houston
• Colgate Star Award – Kenethia Burns
•  National Network of Healthcare Hygienists – Bonnie Blue Williams

The Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs are currently accepting applications for Fall 2026 admission through June 1. For more information, visit www.wallacestate.edu or call 256.352.3000. For a information about all Wallace State Health Science programs, visit www.wallacestate.edu/health. 

Registration for the summer and fall semesters is underway, with summer classes begin May 26 and fall classes begin Aug. 17. Visit www.wallacestate.edu for more information or call 256.352.8236 or email lioncentral@wallacestate.edu. 

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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.

Bryanna Mullins, right, accepts the Irene Newman Award from Wallace State Dental Hygiene Program Chair Dr. Susan Brewer. Mullins also recieved the Dental Program Award. 

Cobe Gordon, right, accepts the Douglas Allan Memorial Award from Wallace State Dental Hygiene Program Chair Dr. Susan Brewer.

Kayle Kassian, right, accepts the Jane Barber Memorial Award from Dental Hygiene Program Chair Dr. Susan Brewer.

Gabriel Costellanos, right, accepts an Academic Excellence Award from Dental Hygiene Program Chair Dr. Susan Brewer. 

Madilyn Edwards, right, accepts an Academic Excellence Award from Dental Hygiene Program Chair Dr. Susan Brewer. 

Lilianna Sanchez, right, accepts an Academic Excellence Award from Dental Hygiene Program Chair Dr. Susan Brewer. 

Fabiola Santacruz, right, accepts an Academic Excellence Award from Dental Hygiene Program Chair Dr. Susan Brewer. 

Liza Wallace, right, accepts an Academic Excellence Award from Dental Hygiene Program Chair Dr. Susan Brewer. 

Bonnie Blue Williams, right, accepts an Academic Excellence Award from Dental Hygiene Program Chair Dr. Susan Brewer. 

Breanna Houston, right, accepts the Hu-Friedly Golden Scaler Award from Dental Hygiene Program Chair Dr. Susan Brewer. 

Kenethia Burns, right, accepts the Colgate Star Award from Dental Hygiene Program Chair Dr. Susan Brewer. 

Bonnie Blue Williams, right, accepts the National Network of Healthcare Hygienists Award from Dental Hygiene Program Chair Dr. Susan Brewer.