UK College of Dentistry Students Bring Home Two 2015 ADEA Preventive Dentistry Scholarships

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 19, 2015) - University of Kentucky College of Dentistry students Lauren Morris and Mike McQuinn are two of only 13 dental students in the nation to be awarded the 2015 American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Preventive Dentistry Scholarship. The award, presented annually, is given to support predoctoral dental students who have demonstrated academic excellence in preventive dentistry.

Morris, a fourth-year student, and McQuinn, a third-year student, will each receive $2,500 to be applied to their tuition and fees for predoctoral dental study.

“With only 13 of these scholarships being awarded, it is a real honor for two UKCD students to receive this honor,” said Sharon Turner, dean UK College of Dentistry.

Scholarship recipients were required to demonstrate a strong interest in preventive dentistry through their personal activities and achievements, possess a superior academic record and be nominated by their school’s dean.

“When I decided that my goal and passion in life was to become a dentist, I knew this career would provide me with the opportunity to make a positive impact on the oral health of my community and state. I'm hopeful that my research on post-operative care compliance of pediatric patients will lead to changes that will enable more children to obtain preventative dental care and education in the future,” said Morris. “I’m truly honored to receive this prestigious scholarship supporting dental students who have demonstrated academic achievements in preventive dentistry.”

"It is truly an honor to receive the Preventative Dentistry Scholarship from the American Dental Education Association. The fact that two students out of the thirteen selected nationally attend the University of Kentucky speaks to the fact that we, as students, are truly blessed to have an amazing group of faculty and staff providing us with the best education and mentorship available. The hard work and dedication that they invest in us will continue to open up opportunities for us to serve as the top scholars, clinicians and philanthropists in our field," McQuinn stated.

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