Cameron University has added another resource to support its students, thanks to the generosity of Delta Dental of Oklahoma (DDOK). The company and its foundation provided funding for the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Pre-Dentistry Endowed Scholarship, which will benefit full-time students who are pursuing a bachelor of science degree in either biology or chemistry and who have declared their intent to pursue a post-baccalaureate degree in dentistry.
“This gift from Delta Dental of Oklahoma eases the financial burden of students who plan to pursue a career in dentistry,” says Tiffany Smith, Director of Development. “Numerous Cameron graduates who have earned degrees in either biology or chemistry operate dental practices throughout Oklahoma, and this endowment will boost those numbers. The Cameron University Foundation is grateful Delta Dental of Oklahoma and its foundation are invested in making a positive impact for Cameron students in perpetuity.”
Headquartered in Oklahoma City, DDOK is the largest provider of dental benefits in the state. Nearly 25 years ago DDOK established its Foundation to advance its not-for-profit mission, by producing and supporting initiatives across the state aimed at increasing access to dental care and providing oral health education.
“One of the many ways Delta Dental of Oklahoma fulfills its mission to advance the oral wellness of all Oklahomans is supporting the education of future dental professionals,” says Terrisa Singleton, Director of the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation. “Oklahoma needs dentists and dental hygienists practicing in our state in order for patients to access necessary dental care and services. In addition to awarding scholarships to students pursuing dental and dental hygiene degrees at our state’s only dental college, we also support undergraduate students planning to enter the profession of dentistry – and are excited to partner with Cameron University to establish another Delta Dental of Oklahoma Pre-Dentistry Scholarship to encourage careers in dentistry.”
Eligible students for the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Pre-Dentistry Endowed Scholarship must be classified as a sophomore or junior and must have a grade point average of 3.5 and a demonstrated financial need. Priority consideration will be given to students who engage in shadowing a dental profession, engage in community service (especially dental-related), participate in pre-dentistry or science group/club/organization, and/or those who qualify for in-state tuition.
With the establishment of this scholarship at Cameron University, DDOK now has fully endowed pre-dentistry scholarships at nine Oklahoma universities. DDOK and its foundation are on track to achieve their goal of having an endowed scholarship at every state university with a Pre-Dentistry track (or equivalent) before the end of 2023.
To establish or contribute to an existing endowment, please contact the Cameron University Office of University Advancement at 580-581-2999.
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PR# 22-098
