Dental Hygiene Student Researchers Earn First Place at GDHA Research Day

(March 18, 2026) - Clayton State University Dental Hygiene students proudly represented the program at the Georgia Dental Hygienist Association – GDHA Research Day, where they presented original research highlighting evidence-based practice and clinical relevance in dental hygiene.

Clayton State Dental Hygiene student researchers who earned First Place at the event are: Katie Nguyen, Jenny Le, Alba Marshall, Jocelyn Martinez Gopar, Malik Mckoy, and Bridgett Martinez.

“Competing alongside peers, our students demonstrated professionalism, critical thinking, and scholarly excellence,” said Dr. Naquilla Thomas, Department Chair and Assistant Professor of Dental Hygiene. “Their outstanding work earned them First Place, a testament to their dedication, faculty mentorship, and commitment to advancing the profession.”

About the Dental Hygiene Program

Clayton State University is one of only two institutions in Georgia to offer a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. Dental hygienists are licensed health care professionals who promote oral health and wellness. Dental hygienists educate patients regarding oral hygiene and preventive oral care.

Hygienists remove plaque, calculus, and stains from teeth; expose and develop dental X-rays; and apply cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants. In some states, they also administer local anesthetics and nitrous oxide; place and carve filling materials, temporary fillings, and periodontal dressings; remove sutures and perform root-planing.

Hygienists may not diagnose diseases, but they can prepare clinical and laboratory diagnostic tests for the dentist to interpret. Hygienists may also work chairside with the dentist during treatment.