Dr. Matthew Uday, a former director of the Michigan Dental Association Foundation and chair of its Scholarship Committee, was posthumously honored with the Michigan Dental Association’s New Dentist Leadership Award during the MDA Annual Session in Novi.

Throughout his life, Uday demonstrated tremendous leadership abilities in his professional and personal life. During his junior and senior years at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry he served as a student liaison to the Michigan Dental Association Foundation Board of Directors. After graduating, he joined the board as a full member and was soon promoted to chair of its Scholarship Committee.

During his years with the Foundation, Uday formulated the scholarship application and streamlined the process for dental, dental hygiene and dental assisting students to apply for scholarships. He cared deeply about the students and enjoyed reviewing and meeting all the candidates and recipients. He headed up the annual scholarship reception and insisted that the students see the Michigan Dental Association in action. Every year he would introduce them to the MDA House of Delegates during the Annual Session. 

Uday lived his life with a deep passion for dentistry and faith. He approached every aspect of his life with courage and optimism, while confronting adversity with character and dignity. Although he left us too soon, he demonstrated the very highest in leadership qualities and professional and ethical conduct.

To honor his memory, the Foundation board created the Dr. Matthew Uday Access to Care Grant.