{ outreach in action } by Paul Roberts • Foundation & Outreach Director


When Foundation and Outreach Titles Collide


well. My blog covers my outreach hat and the adventures I go on — many of which are with dental students. It’s important that we see, value and communicate with the next wave of providers. We do this through welcome receptions, Food for Thoughts, vendor fairs, National Signing Day and ongoing opportu- nities like the New Dentist Network.


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When I don my Foundation Director hat, it’s often around promoting the programs related to our two foundations. Here is where we get some overlap with students again as they love to volunteer at events and they always need money. Thankfully, to help with this need for financial support, the MDA Foundation has been awarding dental student scholarships for 25 years. Our grand total now exceeds $365,000 thanks to the generous support of our members.


Not all collisions turn out so pleasantly. That’s why I’m happy to share this space this issue to focus on what we do with students to introduce them to the MDA. Be sure to celebrate their success!


2024-2025 MDA FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS


More than two dozen candidates repre- senting all three dental schools in the state submitted applications demonstrating their academic strength, community involvement and interest in organized dentistry. The Foundation is delighted to announce these six outstanding dental students as recipients of a $5,000 scholarship toward tuition in the 2024-2025 school year.


s a bald man, I need to wear a lot of hats to stay warm or avoid sun- burn. Fortunately, I get to wear a variety of hats for the MDA as


Katie Jennings – UMKC 2027 Katie loved her small-town childhood in Oak Grove, Mo., where she learned to appreciate a connection with her local commu- nity. This connection and her involvement with groups like the Health Care Collaborative of Rural Missouri fueled her desire to give back. An Oak Grove High graduate from 2019, she got a Health Science degree from MU. Now she’s in her first year at UMKC as an Area Health Educa- tion Center Scholar. In her essay she writes, “As a dentist, I want to do more than just fill teeth and fix temporary problems. I want to lead my community toward improving the overall quality of life and wellness of commu- nity members for generations to come.”


Gabriel Martin Sasamoto – UMKC 2026 Gabriel is a 2017 graduate of Parkway Central High School in Chesterfield, Mo., who gained a Biochem- istry degree from MU.


His experience as an immigrant needing to learn English and then acting as his mother’s translator at doctor visits and teacher meet- ings shaped his thinking. After feeling like his mother didn’t understand her dental visit, he was determined to help close the language gap for Spanish-speaking patients. He helps his fellow dental students on this front and plans to focus his career on serving and advocating for underserved Hispanic communities.


Elise Bauman – UMKC 2027 Elise earned her biological sci- ences degree from MU after graduating from Hannibal High in 2019. Her journey toward dentistry had its


roots in her struggle with her own smile. Her dentist and mentor, Dr. Roger Janes, helped her see the impact a dentist can have on his or her community. Elise also demonstrates a strong volunteer spirit and leadership through many charitable organizations.


Andrew Self – UMKC 2026 Andrew was third in his Blue Springs High School Class of 464 before earning his biochemistry degree from MU. His academic prowess and diverse volunteer involvement earned him a variety of scholarships. As a member of UMKC SOD this same volunteer exposure to those in need is shaping his career intentions as well. He writes, “Whether through joining an FQHC or a practice that places an empha- sis on taking Missouri Medicare patients, I hope to be able to be part of the solution to providing care to these critical and in need populations.”


Tia Kawhaji – UMKC 2027 Tia’s education journey includes Lee’s Summit North High School and a biology degree from UMKC. She then stayed at UMKC as part of the SOD. Tia’s dental journey has roots back in


22 focus | SPRING 2024 | ISSUE 1


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