The Michigan Dental Foundation welcomed the Mitus Scholarship recipients at a reception during Annual Session 2008 in Grand Rapids.
The recipients and their families were invited to attend the MDA House of Delegates meeting on April 17 to hear MDA Past-president Dr. Steve Dater speak. The recipients were impressed with the president’s address on the future of dentistry. Candidates enjoyed seeing the House of Delegates in action prior to the reception.
"These young people are eager and enthusiastic to begin their careers and perhaps have been inspired to get involved in organized dentistry," said Dr. Ron Paler, Foundation president.
The scholarship recipients then attended a private reception honoring them, met the Michigan Dental Foundation Board of Directors and heard remarks from Paler, Dr. George Blestas, former MDA president and founder of the Michigan Dental Foundation George Blestas scholarship, and Dr. Matt Uday, chair of the Foundation Scholarship Committee.
"This year’s recipients are at the top of their respective classes and the pool of worthy applicants gets larger and larger every year," Uday said. "It is encouraging to see the youth of today who will be the future leaders of tomorrow. They are ambitious and talented and the Michigan Dental Foundation is proud to cultivate such professionals."
The recipients then had an opportunity to speak and thank their family and friends for support during their academic careers, as well as thank the Michigan Dental Foundation for their scholarships. Paler then offered advice for life and dentistry.
"Enjoy what you do every day and you will never have to ‘work’ a day in your life!" he said.
Blestas also spoke about the benefits of mentoring and suggested that "everyone needs a good mentor " and to "find someone that can assist you and then return the favor by becoming a mentor to someone else."
Remarks closed with Uday wanting the recipients to know they are truly at the top of their classes and were hand-selected due to their academics, dedication and achievements. Much is expected from them in the future, Uday said, and dentistry depends on it.
In the past 10 years, the Michigan Dental Foundation has awarded 76 scholarships totaling $91,000. These scholarships are awarded to students from Michigan attending schools in Michigan in dentistry, dental hygiene and dental assisting programs. The Michigan Dental Foundation is working to keep highly skilled professionals in Michigan.