"Receiving this scholarship holds a profound significance for me, as it represents the realization of a lifelong dream to pursue a career in dental hygiene. As the child of immigrant parents, who have selflessly supported and guided me throughout my journey, this scholarship is a testament to their unwavering belief in my potential. I was born in Mexico and moved to Iowa when I was very young. I am currently studying at Kirkwood Community College and I have loved every second of it.

This scholarship not only lightens the financial burden on my family but also serves as a token of gratitude and an opportunity to give back to my parents. Their sacrifices and dedication have shaped my character, instilled resilience within me, and motivated me to strive for excellence in all aspects of life. Completing my education in dental hygiene will not only fulfill my personal aspirations but also allow me to contribute to the well-being of others and provide quality dental care.

With the assistance of this scholarship, I am one step closer to completing my education and embarking on a fulfilling career in dental hygiene. I am filled with gratitude, excitement, and a deep sense of responsibility to utilize this opportunity to its fullest potential. I am committed to working diligently, acquiring knowledge and skills, and making a positive impact on the oral health of individuals within my community."

"My name is Daphne Hoefler and I am from the small town of Mechanicsville, Iowa. I knew I always wanted a career in healthcare, and I quickly learned that dentistry was right for me. Through being involved in various activities at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, I have gained experience and skills that I hope to carry with me as I move forward in my career after graduation. Dental school has also given me the opportunity to create relationships with my patients and to build long-lasting friendships with my classmates. I am looking forward to starting my fourth year as a dental student to continue developing these relationships and skills. I am very grateful to the Iowa Dental Foundation for awarding me this scholarship as it will help lower some of the financial burden of paying for dental school."

"Receiving the Iowa Dental Foundation Scholarship as an upcoming D4 student at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry is an incredible honor and opportunity. This scholarship represents recognition of my dedication, hard work, and commitment to the field of dentistry. It serves as a testament to my academic achievements, clinical skills, and potential to make a positive impact in the dental profession and the community as a whole.

The Iowa Dental Foundation Scholarship not only provides financial support but also signifies the trust and confidence placed in me by the dental community. This prestigious award encourages me to strive for excellence in my studies, clinical experiences, and patient care. It serves as a motivating force to continue my pursuit of knowledge and skill development, ensuring that I become a competent and compassionate dentist.

Moreover, this scholarship carries with it the responsibility to uphold the values and principles of the dental profession. It inspires me to contribute to the betterment of oral health and to serve the underserved populations with dedication and empathy. By receiving this scholarship, I am reminded of the importance of giving back and becoming an active participant in dental outreach programs and community service initiatives.

I am immensely grateful for this opportunity and will continue to work diligently to fulfill the expectations associated with this scholarship, making a lasting impact on the dental field and the lives of those I serve."

My name is Makenna Hoffman, and I am eager to be starting the Dental Hygiene program at Iowa Central this fall. I have been a dental assistant for almost three years, since my senior year of high school. I was fortunate enough to gain experience in the field at a dental office in my hometown, Carroll. Experience as an assistant has solidified my interest in dentistry and motivated me to further my education toward a dental hygiene degree.

Being a recipient of the Iowa Dental Foundation Scholarship helps relieve some of the financial burden that comes with pursuing a college education. I am thankful for the generosity of the IDF and that they were so gracious to award me with a scholarship this year. I am excited to begin the journey of dental hygiene school this fall!

"My name is Sara Saey and I am looking forward to starting my fourth year of dental school at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. I am originally from Illinois, but completed my undergraduate degree at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA.

While in dental school, I have been very fortunate to be able to serve as Co-President of the American Academy of Dental Public Health and Co- President of the Pediatric Dental Club. These roles have allowed me to organize and participate in events such as weekend mobile clinics, Give Kids a Smile, dental education nights, and a variety of community events. Additionally, I have greatly enjoyed being involved with the His Hands Free Dental Clinic in Cedar Rapids, where we are able to provide dental care to community members. Being involved in school and in the community has been so rewarding to me and is something I plan to continue to do in the future.

I am beyond grateful to have received this generous scholarship from the Iowa Dental Foundation. This award will allow me to continue learning and improving my skills so that I can provide the highest quality of care to my future patients. I feel incredibly fortunate to train as a future dental provider and I fully intend to use this training to make a positive difference for my future patients, while continuously working to improve the lives of others. Thank you again to the Iowa Dental Foundation for helping make these dreams a reality."

"Hi, I’m Jessica Wesbrook and I was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, IA. I’m currently a dental assistant pursuing a degree in dental hygiene at Kirkwood Community College. I’m also a proud first generation college student!

I became interested in dentistry very young. I watched a lot of my immediate family undergo extensive dental treatments and I remember wanting so badly to find a way to help them. When thinking about what I wanted to do when I grew up, dental hygiene was the only career path that significantly stood out. I understood the impact of preventative dentistry and dental hygiene and knew that that’s what I wanted to do in life.

I’m so excited to be graduating in May 2024! Thank you Iowa Dental Association (IDF), I’m so grateful for the generosity and support through this scholarship. The IDF has helped me get one step closer to a lifelong dream becoming true. I look forward to helping patients live healthier lives through healthier smiles!"