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For the fourth year in a row, a School of Dentistry Doctor of Dental Surgery student is named the recipient of the International College of Dentists (ICD) and Washington University Dental Alumni Association (WUDAA) Scholarship Award. The 2024 awardee for this highly competitive national scholarship is senior Tyler Stevens.

Stevens is originally from southern Idaho. Growing up amidst beautiful landscapes, he developed a love for the outdoors and a strong work ethic from summers spent surveying farms and working in construction. After completing a two-year church mission in northwest Arkansas, Stevens pursued a degree in biology and minored in chemistry and business at Utah State University, graduating summa cum laude. His passion for dentistry has led him to serve refugee communities and provide care in the Dominican Republic. Stevens plans to complete a three-year periodontics residency after graduating in 2025.

“Because of his previous exposure to serving refugees as an English teacher, Tyler has generally served refugee patients as a dental student. Servant leadership is not an accidental journey for him; it is Tyler's intrinsic motivation and authentic leadership capacity. In the short time he has been involved at the refugee clinic, he has already made impactful changes to the clinic's operations. He truly leaves the place better than he finds it,” said , clinical associate professor in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry and faculty advisor and mentor to Stevens.

The  was established to support dental students with their tuition and to raise awareness of the serious issue of dental school student debt. 

“Receiving this scholarship reminds me that there is a need for our young generation of dental professionals to commit to a service-focused life. It's easy to be selfish with our time and energy, especially when trying to succeed in our education and careers. However, spending a portion of our time mentoring others and serving our community is so fulfilling, fun, and rewarding,” said Stevens.

Please help us congratulate Tyler Stevens for this prestigious award!