The Georgia Perimeter College dental hygiene program is on a winning streak.

For seven years in a row, every single student preparing to graduate from the program this spring has passed the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, or NBDHE.

Instructor Pam Cushenan attributes the 100 percent pass rate to sharp students and effective teaching.

“This reinforces how important a well-oiled faculty, staff and adjunct faculty team are to the success of our students,” Cushenan says, noting the NBDHE is an eight-hour, comprehensive licensure exam.

This year, 23 students passed the national exam, she said. A few days ago, those same students took a required regional dental test. Results will be available in a few weeks.

The students also are preparing for their third and final step before becoming dental hygienists. They now must apply for state licensure, which includes an exam focused on dental laws and rules respective to individual states.

Cushenan is confident the students will continue to test well.

“I couldn’t be happier,” she says of their preparedness.