Virginia Western Community College’s Dental Hygiene Program exists “to empower students to become ethical, self-directed primary care providers.” Students in the program lived out that mission even before graduation by uniting at a Rally Day in Virginia’s General Assembly to advocate for their profession and patients.
“Rally Day was an exceptional educational and professional experience for both our students and faculty,” said Joanie Bryant, Registered Dental Hygienist and Virginia Western Dental Hygiene faculty member.
Dental Hygiene students stayed overnight Thursday, Jan. 22, in Richmond at the Commonwealth Hotel to be fully immersed in the legislative environment before Rally Day’s events. Early Friday morning, the group arrived at the Virginia State Capitol, where they joined more than 300 registered dental hygienists and dental hygiene students from across the commonwealth.
The Richmond trip was made possible with support from the Ottaway Endowed Travel Scholarship at the Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation. Bryant learned about the scholarship earlier this academic year and applied successfully.
“We are deeply appreciative of the Ottaway Travel Scholarship for making this educational opportunity possible,” said Bryant, who also served as coordinator for Rally Day. “The experience had a lasting impact on our students and significantly enhanced their understanding of advocacy, leadership, and professional responsibility within the field of dental hygiene.”