Graduates of Blackhawk Technical College’s Dental Hygienist and Dental Assistant programs were recognized on May 8 during a pinning ceremony held on the Beloit-Janesville Campus. Both groups will also participate in Blackhawk's upcoming Commencement Ceremony on May 16.
Dental Hygienist program
Dental Hygienist program graduates (l. to r.): back row: Jake Ballard, Brooke Barrington, Jocelyn Blum, Kaylin Dilley and Vianey Gonzalez; front row: Nichole Hawley, Lisset Jimenez, Madie Wanless, Tove Westermeyer and Maritza Xochipa Morales.
Ten students completed the Dental Hygienist program, which prepares graduates for licensure through written and clinical examinations overseen by the State Dentistry Examining Board and the American Dental Association’s Joint Commission.
"The knowledge, skills and credentials that you’ve earned here will open doors that will shape your futures in ways you can’t yet imagine. I am deeply proud of each of you and honored to celebrate this milestone with you today," said Lisa Johnson, the lead instructor for the Dental Hygienist program.
During the ceremony, several students were recognized for outstanding achievement:
- Lisset Jiminez received the Dental Hygienist Rising Star Award for demonstrating exceptional growth throughout the program.
- Nichole Hawley earned the Golden Scaler Award as a Dental Hygienist student exhibiting remarkable skill and talent in clinical practice.
- Vianey Gonzales was recognized as a recipient of a scholarship from the Wisconsin Hospital Association.
Congratulations to the following Dental Hygienist graduates:
- Jake Ballard, Janesville
- Brooke Barrington, Madison
- Jocelyn Blum, Monroe
- Kaylin Dilley*, Beloit
- Vianey Gonzalez, Beloit
- Nichole Hawley, Columbus
- Lisset Jimenez, Beloit
- Madie Wanless*, Milton
- Tove Westermeyer*, Sun Prairie
- Maritza Xochipa Morales, Whitewater
*These students received academic awards.
Dental Assistant program
Dental Assistant program graduates (l. to r.): back row: Jada Anderson, Ema Cabrera, Catherine Cooley and Claire Dieckhoff; middle row: Natalie Dodge, Addison Krueger, Grace McIlheran, Violeta Mendoza; front row: Grace Pickering and Hope Sorenson. Not pictured: Madeline Gomez and Citlaly Serrano Pelayo.
Twelve graduates from Blackhawk’s Dental Assistant program were also celebrated at the event.
"The future you have been preparing for is now in front of you. Dental assisting is a profession that offers daily opportunities to support patients and contribute to their overall health," said Kristin Ziegler, the lead instructor for the Dental Assistant program. "As awareness of oral health continues to grow, so does the importance of the role you are stepping into."
Congratulations to the following Dental Assistant graduates:
- Jada Anderson, Oregon
- Ema Cabrera, Janesville
- Catherine Cooley, Potosi
- Claire Dieckhoff, Orfordville
- Natalie Dodge, Beloit
- Madeline Gomez, Janesville
- Addison Krueger, Milton
- Grace McIlheran, Avalon
- Violeta Mendoza*, Walworth
- Grace Pickering*, Fort Atkinson
- Citlaly Serrano Pelayo, Janesville
- Hope Sorenson*, Beloit
*These students received academic awards.
Learn more about the Dental Assistant program at blackhawk.edu/Programs-Courses/Dental-Assistant and the Dental Hygienist program at blackhawk.edu/Programs-Courses/Dental-Hygienist