College of the Mainland held a pinning ceremony May 6 for the first graduating class of its dental hygiene program, which includes a dozen students who began the program in fall 2024, according to a May 7 news release from the college.
“We didn’t just complete a program—we helped shape it,” COM dental hygiene graduate Charis Beck said in the release. “And that’s the true meaning of being first—not just achieving something new but opening the door for others to have a path to follow.”
The details
Under the supervision of licensed dentists and faculty, students had the opportunity to gain practical experience while providing affordable care to the public through the on-campus dental hygiene clinic, according to the release.
Seven students have passed the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, with additional students’ results pending.
The cohort is scheduled to take the American Board of Dental Examiners dental hygiene exam May 12, which is the final requirement for licensure, according to the release.
Also of note
Since opening in October 2025, the clinic has served nearly 600 patients and provided more than $300,000 in dental care, with patients saving an average of over $500 per visit, according to the release.
“Our dental hygiene clinic has expanded access to affordable oral healthcare for hundreds of patients while giving students the opportunity to apply their education in a real-world setting,” COM President Helen Brewer said in the release.
