Oklahoma City – Delta Dental of Oklahoma and the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation has awarded $118,000 in scholarships to 15 students at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry at the OU Health Sciences Center for the 2021-2022 academic year.

       The awarding of this year’s scholarships equates to a cumulative amount of more than $1 million in scholarships received by dental students at the College of Dentistry over the last 20 years from Delta Dental of Oklahoma and its Foundation. This is also the first year scholarships from Delta Dental of Oklahoma are being awarded to dental hygiene students.

       “For more than 20 years, Delta Dental of Oklahoma and its Foundation have been incredible supporters of the University of Oklahoma and the College of Dentistry,” said Amy Noah, vice president and chief advancement officer for the OU Foundation. “Their continued generosity and desire to invest in the future of our students is truly admirable, and we are fortunate to have such a dedicated partner.”

       Delta Dental of Oklahoma and its Foundation established the annual scholarship program in 2001. The program provides scholarships to College of Dentistry dental and dental hygiene students planning to practice within Oklahoma after graduation.

       “The College of Dentistry is grateful to Delta Dental of Oklahoma and its Foundation for their incredible generosity,” said Paul M. Mullasseril, D.D.S., M.S., dean of the College of Dentistry. “Without their support, so many of our college’s programs would cease to exist. Similarly, the scholarships awarded to our dental and dental hygiene students help to significantly offset the rising cost of dental school and help to equip our students with the skills needed to serve their patients.”

       Students receiving a scholarship for the 2021-2022 academic year include:

• Carley Abbott, DS3, of Noble
• Conner Brasher, DS4, of Edmond
• Britney Brzoticky, DH2, of Weatherford
• Madison Campbell, DS4, of Alva
• Emily Forthun, DH2, of Oklahoma City
• Tanna Heddlesten, DS2, of McAlester
• Jack Koszykowski, DS2, of Oologah
• Alissa Meadows, DH2, of Edmond
• Lauren Means, DS4, of Lawton
• Zane Mills, DS2, of Sedan, KS
• Preston Patrick, DS2, of Tahlequah
• Chelsea Saffo, DS2, of Broken Arrow
• Meghan Souders, DH2, of Tulsa
• Thanh Truong, DS4, of Broken Arrow
• Teresa Vu, DS3, of Wewoka

       “Supporting the education of future dental professionals is incredibly important,” said John Gladden, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Oklahoma. “We are proud of the dedication these scholars demonstrate to their patients and communities, while they are in school and beyond.”