Dental Hygiene Banquet celebrates Class of 2026

The School of Dentistry honored the Dental Hygiene Class of 2026 with an awards banquet on July 16.

Members of the senior class gathered with their loved ones and dental hygiene faculty to celebrate their time together and honor award recipients.

Marcia Campos, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, welcomed attendees to the event and congratulated the recent graduates. “As you begin your careers, may you always remember that behind every smile is a person who trusts you with their care,” she said to the graduates. “With that in mind, continue to serve them with skill, kindness and empathy.” 

Interim Dean Kristin Artinger, PhD, lauded the newly-graduated dental hygienists for their role in leading integrated care. “You’ve built a strong foundation in oral health here, and built relationships that will sustain you,” she reflected. “We hope you will continue to build those relationships, both by mentoring others and by seeking advice as you carry your career forward.” 

Cyndee Stull, DHSc, MDH, RDH, director of the Division of Dental Hygiene, told graduates that this is “one of my favorite parts of the year.” 

“As you step into your future as dental hygienists and dental therapists, remember that the profession begins with leading yourself well. By purposefully practicing grace, resilience, interest and tenacity, you will beautifully shape the future of the profession of dental hygiene and the health of the public. 

Following the presentation of awards, class officers Olivia Sun, Madeline Heim and Amy Nguyen shared remarks. 

“Over two years, we watched our cohort grow not only into clinicians, but into more confident, compassionate and resilient people,” shared Heim. “Looking around this room today, it’s hard to believe how far we’ve come.” 

“As we step into this new chapter, I hope we remember that our lives have meaning beyond our accomplishments,” shared Sun. “I hope we all remember that we’re called to make a difference in the way we treat people, the way we show up and the way we use our gifts. We can walk into the future with confidence, knowing that every step ahead has a purpose.” 

Nguyen shared gratitude for the faculty that guided the class through their two years together. “Thank you for being the passion, experience and care that we needed,” she said. 

Finally, Gabrielle Sommers, BSDH ’26, MDT ’27, and Megan Wass, BSDH ’26, MDT ’27, announced that the class had chosen Sterling Williams, former clinical assistant professor, and Michelle Arnett, DHSc, MS, RDH, associate professor, as their faculty of the year.

Congratulations to the award recipients and the entire Dental Hygiene Class of 2026!

American Association of Public Health Dentistry Award for Achievement in Community Dentistry and Dental Public Health

This award recognizes and honors a student’s special interest and achievement in community dentistry and dental public health.

Jasmine Chapman

Colgate Student Total Achievement Recognition (STAR) Award

This award is given in recognition of a student’s dedication to the dental hygiene profession, compassion in patient care, and enthusiasm for the role of dental hygienist and community service.

Kenna Steffensen

Dental Hygiene Writing Award

This award recognizes and honors a student’s achievement in writing.

Jasmine Chapman

Gordon and Marie Hawkborn Award

This award provides support for full-time Dental Hygiene students with financial need and an average to above-average grade point.

Lauren Mitchellette
Seeham Shire

Heartland Fellow Student Mentor Award

The Heartland Dental Fellow Student Mentor Award is given by Heartland Dental, MN Hygiene Mentor Team, who supports more than 74 general practice/specialty clinics located in the Twin Cities area. This award is given to someone who was recognized by the Dental Hygiene Class of 2026 for exhibiting a high level of interpersonal communication skills, support, and involvement in other activities with the Dental Hygiene Class of 2026.

Priscilla Cordova

Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award

This award is given to a dental professional that demonstrates exceptional talents and skills. The award celebrates the recipient’s accomplishments, with the hope that they will proudly display it as a testament to their professional dedication.

Lauren Schmidt

Kathleen J. Newell Dental Hygiene Student Achievement Award

This annual award which includes a $750 monetary prize is presented on behalf of the school of dentistry alumni society. This award is presented to the most outstanding dental hygiene student overall on the basis of personal character, leadership, and scholarship. These characteristics are embodied by Dr. Kathy Newell, a distinguished alumnus who has dedicated over 30 years to the dental hygiene program at the school of dentistry.

Megan Wass

Louise C. Ball Scholarship

Dr. Louise Ball had a particular interest in preventive dentistry and established the Louise C. Ball scholarship to financially assist students in the dental hygiene program. The students selected have achieved a higher than average scholastic record, and show great promise in the field of dental hygiene.

Gabrielle Sommers

Metro Dentalcare/Heartland Dental Hygiene Scholarship 

This award provides financial support to a student who demonstrates financial need and academic merit.

Khoa Vuong

Oral Systemic Educator of the Year Award

This award is given to a student who exemplifies passion in educating patients and multidisciplinary providers on oral-systemic health. This student views whole body health with an innovative lens. They are expected to trailblaze new programs, ideas, and possibilities into the field of oral-systemic medicine. Their leadership and passion for collaborative care are evident in every interaction they have with their fellow healthcare providers and patients, and in their community. 

Priscilla Cordova

Park Dental Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship award is given in recognition of exceptional performance in patient care. 

Suwayda Osman
Emily Jarosiewicz
Kenia Gaxiola

Park Dental Service Excellence Award

The Park Dental Service Excellence Award is presented to a senior student in recognition for their commitment to quality patient care and service to the community. The award is given to a true professional who provides excellent patient service, education, and relationship building.

Javier Carrasquillo Marrero

Schwegler/Lane Family Scholarship

This scholarship award provides support for Dental Hygiene or DDS students, with preference for students from the central Minnesota counties of Stearns, Benton, Todd, Douglas, Morrison, Pope and Kandiyohi.

Kenna Steffensen

Shirley Burgan Lichtwardt Scholarship

This scholarship is given to students with good academic standing and outstanding potential as a dental professional.

Titi Oduyemi
Chloe Raines

Sigma Phi Alpha Award

This award is presented to outstanding members of each dental hygiene class for maintaining the highest academic standing.

Elenta Lattrell

Sigma Phi Alpha Elected Student Award

This award recognizes and honors scholarship, leadership, character, contribution to the profession and potential of professional growth among graduating dental hygiene students. Each year, faculty select 10% of the graduating class to membership.

Khoi Tran
Hunter Matheson

Special Care Dentistry Association Student Award

This award is presented to the student who demonstrates a sincere interest and concern for the care of patients with special needs.

Payton Fogarty

Stacie Kvam Carlson Scholarship

This scholarship supports a student enrolled in the Dental Hygiene program who values education, community service and student engagement, with preference to students engaged with the American Dental Hygiene Association.

Titi Oduyemi