HCC DENTAL HYGIENE INSTRUCTORS ARE EARNING RECOGNITIONS, ADVANCED DEGREES

HCC Dental Hygiene instructors, from left, Catherine Sykes, Ruth Glisson and Verna High

Three Halifax Community College (HCC) Dental Hygiene instructors are actively pursuing advancement in their career field by either serving in professional organizations or earning advanced degrees—and sometimes, doing both.

Catherine Sykes, a second-year co-coordinator of the Dental Hygiene program has been selected as one of two North Carolina Dental Hygiene trustees from the area's local dental hygiene component—the Northeastern Dental Hygiene Association. Sykes works at HCC full-time. Additionally, she has nearly completed a masters' degree in Dental Hygiene Education from the University of Tennessee.

“I want to be better in the profession,” said Sykes about continuing her education. “We are always striving to improve the program and I want to be the best I can be.”

Verna High, the first-year Dental Hygiene coordinator, is also on track to finish her master’s degree from the University of Tennessee. “I am a lifelong learner,” said High. “I believe it is important to further one’s education.”

During the Fall Scientific Dental Hygiene Continuing Education Convention held in Greensboro, part-time Clinical Instructor Ruth Glisson was elected as the North Carolina Dental Hygiene Association Treasurer. She volunteered for the job primarily to build awareness of HCC’s program, to motivate students and other dental hygienists to become active in the professional organization, and to act as a liaison for the dental component of HCC and the activities that affect the dental profession at the state level.

“In November, I was able to attend the yearly legislative meeting, which addressed issues concerning the profession… I saw an opportunity and need to volunteer my services and skills,” said Glisson.

She continued, “I have been inspired by the team work and excellence that the personnel in this program exhibit daily. They are definitely having a positive effect on the students’ education and clinical skills…It is my hope and dream that our students will always desire to learn, grow in all aspects of life and willingly serve others.”