FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 30, 2020
The Wisconsin Dental Association Foundation today announced that it has awarded a combined $29,500 in 2020 scholarships to 10 dental and dental hygiene students in the state. This is the largest contribution the organization has made in the scholarship program’s 20-year history, almost doubling the previous year’s amount. Scholarships aim to ease the financial burden of dental education for deserving Wisconsin students to ensure that quality dental care will be available for future generations.
Five dental students entering their fourth year at Marquette University School of Dentistry in Fall 2020 have received $5,000 each in WDA Foundation Tuition Scholarship Awards. Recipients of these awards are selected based on academic achievement, motivation, character and financial need. Students must also be Wisconsin residents and rank within the top 20 state students in their class in order to be considered.
Damon Cole (D3) of Wausau exhibited a love of science while in college, but also enjoyed seeing a different view of the world through business classes. The balance between the two, plus the ability to work with hand instruments, led him to the field of dentistry. Cole noted that pediatric dentistry is of particular interest to him for the future.
Stefan Idso (D3) of Eau Claire is inspired by what he calls the three pillars of the profession – to be a primary healthcare provider, leader in the community and business owner. After serving nearly seven years in the military, his background and experience led him to dentistry. Idso plans to specialize in orthodontics.
Justin Roche (D3) from Columbus had decided to pursue dentistry before beginning his undergraduate career. He cemented that desire by working at his dentist’s practice and taking part in a dental mission trip to Nicaragua and a summer internship in Australia. General dentistry is his focus after graduation.
Maisie Tolzmann (D3) grew up in Onalaska wanting to work in a profession that would allow her to serve members of her community while also being able to apply her love of science. After initially considering medicine, she decided on dentistry after talking with her family dentist. General dentistry is of most interest to Tolzmann.
Rebecca Willfahrt (D3) of Arpin knew that dentistry was her passion at an early age, but her interest was spurred through experiencing an oral infection. After finding out the important role dental treatment plays in our lives, she knew it was the path to follow. Willfahrt hopes to join a practice in rural Wisconsin following graduation.
One dental student received a $2,500 WDA Foundation/Alliance Scholarship Award, given to a married Wisconsin resident in their second through fourth year of study.
Alexander Crain (D4) from Brookfield originally intended to pursue a career in law, but shifted focus to dentistry during his senior year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Service to the community has always been a focal point for Crain.
The WDA Foundation also awards $500 scholarships to support students in Wisconsin technical colleges who are studying dental hygiene. Recipients must be Wisconsin residents who have excelled academically and are in need of financial assistance. This year’s recipients are:
- Chippewa Valley Technical College – Brooke Thompson of Eau Claire
- Fox Valley Technical College – Janet Zeinert of Oshkosh
- Northcentral Technical College – Chelby Hartmann of Prentice
- Northeast Wisconsin Technical College – Rebecca Schwaller of Sheboygan Falls
Since 2000, the WDA Foundation has awarded $262,500 in scholarships to dental and dental hygiene students to help assure quality dental care will always be available to Badger State residents.
Donations from many people and organizations have helped the foundation provide financial support for statewide charitable dental care, oral hygiene outreach and education efforts for 63 years.
Visit the WDA Foundation donor page on www.WDA.org for information on how you can help with a donation.
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Vicki Bohman, Executive Director at 414-755-4198 (direct) or [email protected]
