Sixty-one outstanding dental school students received nearly a quarter of a million dollars in grants this year from Delta Dental of California, Delta Dental of Pennsylvania and affiliated companies, officials announced today.
“These exceptional students represent the future of dentistry, and we are proud to recognize and support their achievements”
The 2010 Student Leadership Awards, presented to students at 18 dental schools in 12 states and the District of Columbia, recognize graduating dental students who demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities. Delta Dental established the awards in 1977 in honor of Dr. F. Gene Dixon, the first chief executive officer of Delta Dental of California, which is now part of the largest dental benefits delivery system in the country along with affiliates Delta Dental of Pennsylvania and Delta Dental Insurance Company.
"These exceptional students represent the future of dentistry, and we are proud to recognize and support their achievements," said John Yamamoto, DDS, Delta Dental's vice president of Professional Services.
Delta Dental of California, Delta Dental of New York, Delta Dental of Pennsylvania and several other Delta Dental companies under common management provide dental benefits plans to 24 million people in 15 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. All are part of the Delta Dental Plans Association (DDPA), based in Oak Brook, Ill., which consists of 39 Delta Dental member companies licensed in all 50 states. The association collectively covers 54 million of the 174 million people nationwide with private dental insurance, making it by far the largest national system of dental plans.
Summary of Delta Dental's 2010 F. Gene Dixon Student Leadership Awards
- 61 students recognized
- Students are from 18 different dental schools in 12 states plus the District of Columbia
- Awards total $202,500; individual amounts range from $2,500 to $12,500
Study uncovers a previously unknown genetic link to autism spectrum disorder