Blinn celebrates 14 dental hygiene graduates with pinning ceremony

Positions for dental hygienists are in high demand with a median annual salary of $94,260

May 5, 2026

Fourteen future dental hygienists were honored Saturday, May 2, with a pinning ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Blinn College District’s nationally recognized Dental Hygiene Program.

The Blinn College Dental Hygiene Program is a competitive-entry program accepting 14 students each fall semester. Upon satisfactory completion of this two-year program, students earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Dental Hygiene and are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a regional/state clinical board examination.

“These graduates have demonstrated outstanding commitment and determination every step of the way,” said Lisa Wiese, Program Director. “Their strong preparation makes them highly sought after in the field, and it is exciting to see them begin careers where they will make a real difference in oral health care.”

The spring 2026 graduating class includes:

• Nora Aigberadion – Houston, Texas
• Lauren Alesci – The Woodlands, Texas
• Kaitlyn Baird – Round Rock, Texas
• Jaden Bennett – Iola, Texas
• Kirsten Crump – Nacogdoches, Texas
• Ashley Hudson – Canyon Lake, Texas
• Yolotzin Iriarte – Houston, Texas
• Savannah Johnston – Richmond, Texas
• Samantha Leggett – Magnolia, Texas
• Nathaly Merlos – Houston, Texas
• Maria Ortiz – Fort Worth, Texas
• Miguelangel Puentes Ponce – College Station, Texas
• Victoria Schimank – Giddings, Texas
• Danielle Snow – College Station, Texas

“Blinn’s Dental Hygiene Program challenged us with high expectations while providing the guidance and encouragement we needed to become confident, capable future dental hygienists,” Ponce said. “I plan to begin my career in a local general family dentistry practice where I can build meaningful relationships with patients and provide quality preventative care. As a result of the program’s strong foundation in classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experience, and faculty mentorship, I feel prepared to deliver high-quality care and create a positive experience for every patient I serve.”

In addition to pursuing their degrees, Blinn dental hygiene students host an annual Give Kids a Smile event that provides exams, x-rays, cleanings, sealants, fluoride, and oral health education to local children without access to regular dental care. Through these events, the program has partnered with local dentists, hygienists, and volunteers to provide more than $300,000 to date in donated dental services to area children who need them most.

With demand soaring, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that dental hygienists earn a median salary of $94,260.

For more information regarding the Dental Hygiene Program, visit www.blinn.edu/dental-hygiene.

The Dental Hygiene Program is part of Blinn’s Division of Health Sciences, which offers associate degree nursing, emergency medical services, fire science, health information technology, physical therapist assistant, radiologic technology, surgical technology, and vocational nursing programs designed to quickly train students for high-demand professions.