"I grew up in Des Moines, and I became interested in dentistry when I was in middle school. My initial interest was sparked through my orthodontist. I was intrigued by how a dentist is a part of a patient’s comprehensive health and the connection a dentist makes with patients and their families. I always wanted a career in healthcare, and I quickly learned that dentistry was so important to a patient’s overall health.  

After high school, I attended at the University of Iowa and studied human physiology. During my time in undergrad, I was involved in the Pre-dental Club, Iowa Mission of Mercy, and I worked as a dental assistant. These opportunities gave me additional exposure to dentistry, and I learned first-hand how important and rewarding the career can be.  

Dental school has given me the opportunity to create relationships with my patients. Through these relationships, I have been able to not only relieve my patient’s symptoms and restore their function, but I have also had the opportunity to give them a smile they are happy with. I am looking forward to my final year of dental school to continue building relationships with patients and gaining experience needed to treat my future patients with the best care. I am so grateful for this generous financial gift from the IDF, as this scholarship will help alleviate some of the financial burden of paying for dental school."

"My name is Bethany Doolittle and I am looking forward to starting my fourth year as a dental student at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. I am originally from Oakdale, Minnesota but have spent a lot of time in Iowa since beginning college here in 2011. Since then, I have been able to experience life here in Iowa City as a student-athlete, realize my dream of competing as a professional athlete overseas, graduate with a master’s degree in Illinois, and return to Iowa to pursue a DDS degree. 

Through being involved in various organizations at the College of Dentistry, I have gained experience and skills that I hope will prove useful as I move forward in my career after graduation. I am so appreciative for receiving this scholarship because it will help allow me to continue developing these skills as a student and future clinician while offsetting some of the dental school tuition cost."

"My name is Morgan and I’m a rising fourth year dental student at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. I’m from Illinois and completed my undergrad at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dental school has given me some of the best friends I’ve ever had and I’ve loved getting involved with ASDA. I’ve held multiple positions with IASDA and this year I’m going to be the President!"

"I walked an unconventional path to dentistry. After graduating from Grinnell College with a double major in Theatre & Dance and Chemistry, I worked as an Assistant Technical Director building sets and making stage props, and then as a Scientist at a renewable energy startup. My interest in dentistry didn’t take root until a work trip in Washington State where I stayed at a young dentist’s AirBnB. While shadowing him between work, I found that dentistry combined many aspects that I enjoyed in theater and renewable energy. There were opportunities aplenty to connect with others, work with one’s hands, and provide a service that tangibly and directly improved the quality of fellow community-members’ lives. 

As I prepare to enter my fourth year, I can easily say that coming back to school was the right decision. Dental school has been a wild ride, filled with a variety of experiences, both good and bad, but certainly all memorable: Late nights of studying fueled by caffeine, unprecedented times thanks to Covid-19, and meaningful patient interactions. And let’s not forget the best part: new friendships with bonds stronger than the best 3-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system. 

However, for all that I have gained from dental school, it comes with an obvious mental, physical, and financial cost. I want to thank the Iowa Dental Foundation for making the scholarship possible and helping to lower the financial burden of achieving my dreams!"

"Growing up, I had my fair share of dental work done. Between extractions, congenitally missing teeth, braces, and headgear, I spent a lot of time in the dental chair. But I was one of those weird kids who actually enjoyed going to the dentist, so I didn't mind. My dentists always made it a fun experience, and I knew that someday I wanted to pursue dentistry as a career.

In college, I majored in Biology at the University of Northern Iowa and did research on DNA hybridization. When I started Dental School at Iowa, I was able to continue my research interests. For the last three years, I have participated in the Student Research Program, focusing on xerostomia and its causative factors.

I am entering my fourth year of school and plan on practicing general dentistry in the state of Iowa. I am very thankful to the Iowa Dental Foundation for awarding me this scholarship. It will go a long way in helping me pay for school."

"I am so thankful to receive the Iowa Dental Foundation scholarship. I have known I wanted to become a dental hygienist since 7th grade. I have been working in a dental practice that has started me on my journey. I will attend Iowa Central Community college in the fall to pursue a degree in dental hygiene. I am beyond excited to start this educational journey."

"When thinking about college and what I wanted to do, I really didn't know for sure where I was heading. Someone mentioned the dental field and I was like why not! I've been a dental assistant now for two years and I absolutely love it. All of the different procedures and having so many connections with our patients is my favorite. I've decided to further my education into hygiene for some more one-on-one with patients and helping to lead them to a healthier life! This scholarship is just one more step towards the goal and I'm so grateful I've been chosen! Thank you IDF!"