This unblemished record by graduating members of the Roane State dental hygiene program remains intact.

For the sixth consecutive year, 100 percent of the class passed the rigorous Dental Hygiene National Board examination on their first try, said Melinda Gill, program director. The students’ scores place Roane State dental hygiene students in the top 3 percent nationally of the more than 300 accredited dental hygiene programs where dental hygiene students take the exam, Gill said.

“I’m very proud of the students’ accomplishments and their dedication to success,” said Gill, who became program director six years ago.

Students took the national exam in March. The comprehensive exam features a lengthy blend of multiple choice questions and detailed questions about dental case studies. Only 12 students are selected each year to participate in the college’s dental hygiene program, and more than 100 routinely apply, Gill said.
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Pictured with director Melinda Gill, center, are members of the Roane State Dental Hygiene class who continued the department’s perfect record on national board, for the past six years. Front row, from left: Veronica Koon, Carrie Wheeler, LaTosha Wiggington, Jessica Rickman, and Natalie Beeler. Back row, from left: Kelly Tallent, Hannah Fox, Rachel East, Gill, Katie Zielinski, Bianca Gordon and Sydney Bailey.