Foundation Scholarship Awardee Announced

SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

Written by: Mary Swift, DDS

A newly established Scholarship Program, conceived and developed by the Dallas County Dental Society Foundation (DCDSF) Board of Directors and Texas A&M University College of Dentistry came to fruition recently with Dr. Namrata Rathod being its first awardee. The scholarship was designed to assist students who have been accepted into the Public Health Residency program at TAMCD, and who express an interest in Public Health.

The DCDSF is very proud of the new scholarship program.

The program evolved from the DCDSF 2016-2018 Strategic Plan. With Dr. Hilton Israelson serving as facilitator, DCDSF developed a mission statement to “enhance oral health in our community”. The DCDSF Board feels advancing the career of dentists seeking a Public Health specialty would directly speak to that mission and serve the public.

Applications were reviewed and vetted by the DCDSF Board and this year’s awardee has already demonstrated a passion for Public Health. Dr. Rathod has been active in the treatment and education of underserved populations both in her native India and here in the United States. Dr. Rathod particularly enjoys helping the refugee population here in Dallas.

Foundation President Dr. Sloan Hildebrand is proud of the Foundation’s efforts to reach the public. “Our hope is that this scholarship will help further the education and enthusiasm necessary to serve those in need within our community.” Dr. Rathod is an individual that we feel is on a path to create change within our community and other communities that she will have the unique opportunity to reach out to.”

The DCDSF Scholarship is one of several ways our dental society reaches out to serve the public. Assistance with TMOM events, school and nursing home in-service programs and now, our scholarship all depend upon donations from our members.