DDS Class of 2021 Awards
On May 14, 202 students will celebrate their graduation from the School of Dentistry, including 121 students who will cross the stage and become dentists.
The School of Dentistry is immensely proud of this group of students who succeeded in completing their programs despite unprecedented challenges and obstacles. And while we’re disappointed that we can’t celebrate a fully-attended commencement, we’re committed to honoring and celebrating these graduates and their success in every way we can.
One such celebration includes the annual DDS Senior Awards. Typically presented at a banquet near the end of the academic year, the DDS Senior Awards recognize outstanding students for their achievements, their dedication, and their academic and professional excellence. This year, we’re excited to honor those students with a video ceremony.
Stay tuned for information on Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy senior awards, coming later this summer.
American Association of Women Dentists Eleanor J. Bushee Senior Dental Student Award
The American Association of Women Dentists holds a strong tradition of having, in its membership, high-profile professionals who are known for their leadership, mentoring, successful practices, and commitment to the field of dentistry. The Eleanor J. Bushee Senior Dental Student Award honors a student who has achieved academic excellence and has demonstrated outstanding leadership.
Alexandra Schutter Wild
American College of Dentists Outstanding Senior Leader Award
The American College of Dentists is the oldest major honorary organization for dentists. Its members have exemplified excellence through outstanding leadership and exceptional contributions to dentistry and society. The Outstanding Student Leader Award recognizes a senior dental student whose dental academic record most exemplifies a combination of outstanding scholastic performance, demonstrated leadership, and potential for impact on the profession of dentistry.
McKenzie V. Verbout
International College of Dentists Student Humanitarian Award
The International College of Dentists is a worldwide honorary organization. One of its objectives is to recognize meritorious service and significant contributions to our profession. This award honors a graduate who not only exemplified and demonstrated passion for altruistic humanitarian service as a student, but has great potential to continue to do so.
JoAnna C. Bourain
Mellor R. Holland Student Achievement Award
In honor of the former Associate Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs, Dr. Mellor R. Holland, the School of Dentistry Alumni Society is delighted to present the annual Mellor R. Holland Student Achievement Award. This certificate of achievement includes a monetary award of $1,500, in recognition of a senior dental student who exemplifies outstanding leadership, scholarship, and personal character.
Andrew G. Glover
Metro Dentalcare Fellow Student Mentor Award
The Metro Dentalcare Fellow Student Mentor Award is given on behalf of Metro Dentalcare, a multi-office group practice with a proud heritage of serving Twin Cities communities since 1968. The recipient of this award is chosen by their underclass as someone who exhibits a high level of interpersonal communication skills, is involved in extracurricular activities and is supportive of dental students in the underclass.
Taylor C. Mikkalson
MN Academy of General Dentistry Senior Student Dental Award from the Academy of General Dentistry
The Senior Student Dental Award from the Academy of General Dentistry is presented by the Minnesota Academy of General Dentistry. This student was selected as having exhibited the greatest leadership, interest, knowledge, and proficiency in the field of general dentistry during their senior year.
Pannaporn (Paige) Stephenson
Minnesota Dental Association Board of Trustees Award
Hallie C. Schley
American Student Dental Association Award of Excellence
The American Student Dental Association Award of Excellence honors the spirit of volunteerism. The award recognizes one student member from each dental school for achieving superior levels of participation or leadership in service to other students, their school or local community, and who is in good academic standing.
Hallie C. Schley
Minnesota Dental Association Board of Trustees Award
This award is given in appreciation for the gift of time, talent and energy in service to the Minnesota Dental Association.
Hallie C. Schley
Office of Admissions & Diversity Recognition of Service
In recognition of services to the Office of Admissions and Diversity, this senior student was not only an Admissions Ambassador, but also served on the Admissions Committee and reviewed applications from prospective students. The Admissions Committee serves a critical role in selecting the student population who will become the next generation of dentists. This student will receive a special gift from the Office of Admissions and Diversity for their service on the DDS Admissions Committee.
Haley A. Anderson
Omicron Kappa Upsilon Membership Award
Each year, the national dental honor society Omicron Kappa Upsilon Beta Beta Chapter, selects into its membership a limited group of senior students. Eligible students include the top 20% of the class, from which only 12% of the class are elected. These students have distinguished themselves by excellence in scholarship, while demonstrating exemplary traits of character and potential qualities for future professional growth and attainments. Their certificate of merit includes distinguished regalia worn at commencement, including an OKU stole, gold tassel, and signet.
Odrey G. Bechtel
Kiana M. Cullinan
Hannah N. Forliti
Andrew G. Glover
Trevor P. Grandgenett
Jordan W. Holmgren
Navneet K. Malhi
Shay T. Mieczkowski
Jacob J. Schroeder
Alexandra Schutter Wild
James C. Vang
Academy of Dental Materials Award
The Academy of Dental Materials is a consortium of dental professionals interested in the development and application of new materials for dental care. This award honors a graduating dental student who has demonstrated excellence in the field of dental materials science.
Katelyn A. Frierott
American Association of Public Health Dentistry Award for Achievement in Community Dentistry and Dental Public Health
This award is presented by the American Association of Public Health Dentistry, in partnership with Procter & Gamble Professional Oral Health and Crest Oral B. The dental student receiving this award has demonstrated a special interest and achievement in community dentistry, reducing health disparities, and providing oral health care access to underserved communities.
Kaitlyn M. Lunacek
Brian D. Stone Memorial Award from Dental Lifeline Network
Through the awards program established by Drs. Joy and Justin Stone of New Jersey, the Dental Lifeline Network is pleased to present the Brian D. Stone Memorial Award. This award recognizes a graduating dental student who has demonstrated commitment to volunteerism or to outstanding clinical care of special needs patients.
Treyce M. Sanderson
Special Care Dentistry Association Student Award
The Special Care Dentistry Association Student Award goes to a student who demonstrates a sincere interest in and concern for the needs of patients with special needs.
Jordan D. Pellegrom
Pierre Fauchard Senior Dental Student Award
The recipient of the Pierre Fauchard award is a graduating senior who has excelled in research and the academic and clinical aspects of the dental program. Particular emphasis is placed on the student's contributions to dental literature and outstanding and dedicated service to the profession.
Eva L. Counsell
Shelley Grimes Award
This award is presented in memory of Dr. Shelley Grimes, a research colleague who emphasized the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges, whether they be from research experiments or life. The recipient has exhibited excellence in student research and committed to pursuing new ideas to advance the field of dental research.
Hannah R. Morgan
American Association of Endodontics Student Achievement Award
The American Association of Endodontists presents this Student Achievement Award to a student who has a broad interest in endodontics, above average skill and proficiency in clinical treatment of endodontic problems, and above average grades in endodontic didactic courses.
Shay T. Mieczkowski
Irwin A. Epstein Award for Excellence in Clinical Endodontics
Established by Dr. Irwin Epstein, a 1922 graduate of the School of Dentistry, this award recognizes a fourth-year dental student for achievement and proficiency in the field of clinical endodontics.
Odrey G. Bechtel
James Jensen Award for Excellence in Clinical Endodontics
This award is named after Dr. James Jensen, a 1950 graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Endodontic Graduate Residency program. It recognizes a senior dental student who has demonstrated achievement in the diagnosis, treatment planning and management of the endodontic patient.
John M. Haseman
Academy of Operative Dentistry Award
The recipient of the Academy of Operative Dentistry Award exemplifies outstanding achievement in operative dentistry. The Academy is an international dental association, and exists to promote excellence in the field of operative dentistry.
Odrey G. Bechtel
American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Student Award of Merit
The American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Student Award of Merit is given to a dental student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the pursuit of excellence in the undergraduate study of esthetic dentistry.
Riley N. Hanson
American Academy of Gold Foil Operators Achievement Award
The American Academy of Gold Foil Operators Achievement Award is presented to a fourth-year dental student to recognize professional attitude, didactic achievement, technical skill, and clinical judgment in preventive and therapeutic phases of operative dentistry.
Nathan L. Hanson
Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Restorative Dentistry
This Quintessence Award is given to a graduating dental student who has demonstrated outstanding clinical achievement in restorative dentistry.
James Vang
Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Award
This framed certificate and one-year membership in the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology is given to three fourth-year dental students who have demonstrated exemplary aptitude and achievement in Oral Pathology.
Shay Mieczkowski
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Student Award
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons provides this annual award to recognize dental students of high academic standing for outstanding performance in their study and clinical training in the area of oral and maxillofacial surgery and anesthesiology.
Odrey G. Bechtel
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Implant Student Award
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons provides an annual award to the graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and performance related to placement and restoration implants. The recipient will also receive a one year complimentary subscription to the Journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and complimentary registration to the annual meeting.
Hannah N. Forliti
American Dental Society of Anesthesiology Horace Wells Senior Student Award
The American Dental Society of Anesthesiology is pleased to offer the Horace Wells Senior Student Award. Given to advance the interest in the field of anesthesia and pain control, this award is presented to a senior student who has shown outstanding achievement in the field of dental anesthesiology.
Alexandra Schutter Award
Henry B. Clark, Jr. Memorial Award
The Henry B. Clark, Junior Award is given by the School of Dentistry Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, to a fourth-year dental student who has shown exceptional ability and potential in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
David A. Vaughan
Dedolph Scholarship
Taylor C. Mikkalson
American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Achievement Award
This American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology gives this award to a senior dental student who has demonstrated special interest and accomplishment in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology.
Nicholas K. Stokfisz
American Academy of Oral Medicine Certificate of Merit
This certificate of merit and one-year membership to the American Academy of Oral Medicine is given to a senior student who has demonstrated outstanding performance, proficiency and promise in the discipline of Oral Medicine. This student has demonstrated excellence in coursework and superior knowledge and ability to provide diagnostic services to dental patients at an exceptional level.
Eva L. Counsell
Dennis Theis Memorial Radiology Clinical Achievement Award
The Dennis Theis Memorial Radiology Clinical Achievement Award is given to a senior dental student who has shown exceptional dedication in radiology clinical activities and radiographic interpretation.
Anna K. Dierking
American Association of Orthodontists Award
The American Association of Orthodontists is pleased to announce its annual award to the senior dental student who has demonstrated exceptional interest in the study of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. This student has been nominated by faculty to receive this honor.
Jacob L. Schroeder
Certificate of Merit American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Predoctoral Student Award
This award is given to a single senior dental student who demonstrates the greatest promise in pediatric dentistry and is chosen by the Pediatric Dental faculty.
Persiah H. Bakhtiari
MN Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Community Service Award
The Minnesota Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is a network of dentists dedicated to the oral health of Minnesotans from infancy through the teenaged years, as well as for individuals with special health care needs. The Academy gives two awards to meritorious students. The first award is given to a senior dental student in recognition of outstanding community service primarily for children and adolescents in need of oral healthcare.
Abigail M. Askegaard
MN Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Performance Award
The second award from the Minnesota Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is given to a senior dental student in recognition of outstanding performance in pediatric dentistry.
Meghan T. Mester
American Academy of Periodontology Award
From the American Academy of Periodontology, this certificate is presented to a graduating student who has excelled in the field of periodontology, displaying the highest level of academic and clinical achievement.
Andrew G. Glover
Minnesota Association of Periodontists Dental Student Award
This award is given by the Minnesota Association of Periodontists to a fourth-year student exhibiting excellence in periodontology.
Teresa Y. Heck
Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Periodontics
This award is given by Quintessence Publishing, and includes a subscription to Quintessence International and a certificate of merit. It is given to a graduating student who has shown outstanding achievement in clinical and dental studies in periodontology.
McKenzie K. Verbout
Crest Oral B. Award for Excellence
This award is presented to a dental student who has excelled in the clinical practice and prevention of periodontal disease, maintenance of periodontal health, and the promotion of oral health education with their patients. This award includes a certificate and an Oral B Genius Power Brush & Samples.
Chase T. Baumgartner
Academy of Osseointegration Outstanding Student in Implant Dentistry Award
The Academy of Osseointegration recognizes a fourth year dental student demonstrating outstanding achievement in their work with dental implants. This student will receive a certificate, a $500 check, a one year membership to the Academy and a subscription to the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants along with complimentary registration at the Academy's next annual scientific meeting.
Mustapha Mansuri
Allan D. Petersen Memorial Award for Clinical Excellence in Removable Prosthodontics
The Allan D. Petersen Memorial Award for Clinical Excellence in Removable Prosthodontics includes a $1,000 check. It is given to a fourth-year student who has demonstrated exceptional clinical ability and an interest in the field of removable prosthodontics, and who is a person of high character.
Becca A. Frenz
American Academy of Implant Dentistry Dental Student Award
The American Academy of Implant Dentistry Dental Student Award goes to the senior student who has demonstrated the most interest—academically and clinically—in implant dentistry.
Shay T. Mieczkowski
American College of Prosthodontists Undergraduate Achievement Award
This award goes to an outstanding undergraduate student who has shown high academic and clinical proficiency in prosthodontics.
Zane M. Clark
Clayton A. Swanson Memorial Award for Prosthodontics
The Clayton A. Swanson Memorial Award includes a $1,000 check and is given to a student who has shown outstanding performance in prosthodontics. There will also be a plaque engraved with their name placed in the Prosthodontics Division conference room in Moos Tower.
Katherine A. Cahill
Excellence in Prosthodontics “Hanau™ The Best of the Best” Award
The Excellence in Prosthodontics Award “Hanau The Best of the Best” includes a certificate and a HANAU WIDE-VUE Semi-Adjustable Articulator. There will also be a plaque engraved with the student’s name placed in the Prosthodontics Division conference room in Moos Tower. This award is given to a graduating senior who has excelled in the study and clinical application of prosthodontics.
Navneet K. Malhi
International Congress of Oral Implantologists Predoctoral Achievement Award
From the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, this Predoctoral Achievement Award is presented to the senior dental student who has displayed the greatest interest and commitment to oral implant dentistry.
Nathan G. Wong
J. Raymond Gill Award for Outstanding Achievement in Clinical Prosthodontics
Through the generous endowment of Dr. J. Raymond Gill, this award is given to three outstanding fourth-year students for Achievement in Clinical Prosthodontics. Each recipient will receive a check for $1,000 and the students’ names will be inscribed on a plaque housed in the Prosthodontics Division conference room in Moos Tower.
Shruti Jagannathan
Ryan W. Seehafer
Zachary A. Cook
Walter S. Warpeha Award
The Walter S. Warpeha Award is given to a fourth-year student, as selected by faculty in the division of Prosthodontics, who has demonstrated outstanding ability in the field of removable prosthodontics. This recipient will receive a check and their name will be inscribed on a plaque in the Prosthodontics Division conference room in Moos Tower.
Lauren E. Zuidema