Augusta University
Stacey Hudson
The Dental College of Georgia (DCG) honored the 29 members of the Dental Hygiene Class of 2026 during the annual pinning ceremony, where faculty, family members and classmates gathered to celebrate the students’ transition into the dental hygiene profession. The ceremony also recognized academic achievement, leadership and service through awards, scholarships and honor society inductions.
“These students have managed so much change over these last two years, from an unprecedented hurricane to moving into a new college home. We are so proud of them,” said Professor Erin Boyleston, dental hygiene program director. “But they didn’t just complete a degree. They helped carve out the dental hygiene program’s place within the Dental College of Georgia, and they’ll leave a lasting gift for the classes to follow.”
As Georgia faces a shortage of dental professionals, these newest alumni represent a vital lifeline for our state’s public health infrastructure.
“This class has proven that they are prepared to bridge the gap in care for our most vulnerable communities. I am immensely proud of their commitment to service and confident they will impact oral healthcare delivery across Georgia,” said Dr. Kevin Frazier, vice dean of the DCG.
The Alpha Eta Honor Society inducted Caitlyn Briolat, Christina Jung, Marlie Motes, Akecia Neal and Maryant Trejo into membership. The AU Alpha Eta Chapter-CAHS presented each student with a certificate and keypin. Madison Rose earned the Alpha Eta Service and Leadership Scholarship and a $100 award.
The Sigma Phi Alpha Honor Society selected Madison Christopher, Brian Parks and Nia Holland for alumni membership. The organization also named Dr. Veena Pannu, assistant professor of restorative sciences, an honorary member. The AU Sigma Phi Alpha Chapter-Dental Hygiene program presented certificates and keypins to each recipient. The chapter also awarded scholarships to Marlie Motes ($1,000) and Madison Christopher ($500).
Marlie Motes earned the Mary Downey Award, which includes $200, a certificate and recognition on a departmental plaque. Kaitlyn Cenicola earned the Jessie O. Brown Award, which includes $500, a certificate and plaque recognition.
Ashley Roberts earned the AAPD Community Dentistry Award, which includes $100, a certificate and a one-year subscription to the Public Health Dentistry journal. Roberts also earned the Melissa Domingo Award from AU Dental Associates.
Maryant Trejo earned the Chair’s Award, which includes $200, a certificate and recognition on a departmental plaque. Kylee Holl earned the Crest & Oral-B Hygienist Proud SMILE Award and received an acrylic award and certificate. Faith Ngugi earned the NNHH Oral Systemic Educator Award, which includes a certificate and tuition discount for NNHH programs. Madison Rose also earned the Colgate STAR Award, which includes an acrylic award, certificate and recognition on a departmental plaque.
Madison Christopher earned the Sue Tucker Ward “Patients First” Award, which includes $200, a certificate and plaque recognition. Jacqueline Carter earned the Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award and received a golden scaler and certificate.
Several students also received previously announced scholarships. The Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Scholarship went to Elyse Jones, Destiny Mims and Nialah Sao. Caitlyn Briolat received The Hinman Dental Society Scholarship ($1,000). Logan Menard earned The Emile T. Fisher Foundation for Dental Education award ($300). Kaleigh Livsey received The Eastern District Dental Society Scholarship ($1,000). Kaitlyn Cenicola earned the Dr. Emmanuel Ngoh Scholarship ($1,000). Jacqueline Carter received The Sandra Neville Memorial Scholarship ($1,500). Maryant Trejo earned Mortenson Scholar recognition and a $10,000 award from Mortenson Dental Group.
Faculty also announced academic honors for the Class of 2026. Cum Laude honors went to Frida Alvarado-Cortez, Caitlyn Briolat, Madison Christopher, Emily Dixon, SoYoung (Christina) Jung, Logan Menard, Diep Anh (Anna) Nguyen, Melissa Rios-Antunez and Nialah Sao. Magna Cum Laude honors went to Destiny Mims, Akecia Neal and Maryant Trejo. Marlie Motes graduated Summa Cum Laude. Each honor graduate received an honor cord in recognition of academic excellence.
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene is a competitive four-year degree program that prepares students to become licensed dental hygienists. Students complete classroom learning and hands-on clinical training with real patients in modern teaching facilities. They work alongside future dentists and contribute to community outreach programs like Give Kids a Smile Day. Graduates leave ready to provide preventive dental care and help patients maintain healthy smiles.
