Dental hygiene faculty, student receive ADHA IOH scholarships

A dental hygiene faculty member and student were recognized with educational scholarships from the American Dental Hygienists’ Association’s Institute for Oral Health Foundation.

Rachel Thelen, MSDH ’21, LDH, RF, clinical assistant professor of dental hygiene, received the Dr. Esther Wilkins Scholarship for graduate studies, supporting an individual pursuing additional education necessary for a career in dental hygiene education. 

Thelen always knew she would complete a doctorate someday, and determined the Doctor of Health Sciences program at the University of the Pacific was the perfect fit for her.

“Now seemed like the perfect time to complete my studies,” Thelen said. “This degree will help me develop as a leader in higher education and further develop my teaching philosophy.”

She applied for the scholarship in the fall, based on its focus on graduate students pursuing additional education and on Wilkins’ “reputation as a tremendous influence on the dental hygiene field and her leadership in dentistry.”

“It was very exciting” to receive the award, Thelen said. “I didn’t expect to get it, because it’s a national award and only one scholarship is given. I was excited and thrilled to receive it to help fund my education.”

Thelen is grateful for ADHA, because it “provides a lot of great resources for hygienists and funds and support those wishing to pursue education in dental hygiene.”

Vy Vu, BSDH ’25, received the Kenvue Scholarship for Academic Excellence, focused on outstanding performance in those pursuing a career in dental hygiene. 

Vu first fell in love with dental hygiene after recognizing its importance as a child. “Growing up in Vietnam, I noticed many people around me struggled with poor oral hygiene due to a lack of resources and understanding,” she reflected. “This stark contrast became even more apparent when I moved to the United States, where dental health standards were significantly higher. This observation stayed with me and fueled my passion for making a difference.”

She decided to pursue dental hygiene thanks to its emphasis on community care, the work-life balance it offers and the ability to use her bilingual skills in English and Vietnamese with patients.

As the first in her family to pursue higher education, scholarship and grant funds are what provided Vu with “the opportunity to pursue my reams.” She credits her parents’ “unwavering support and sacrifices” with bringing her to where she is today, and considers her education a privilege and a gift.

Vu was “truly honored and grateful to have been chosen as a recipient of this scholarship,” made more impactful by its emphasis on academic excellence. “Receiving this scholarship has filled me with a sense of accomplishment and encouragement, knowing that my hard work and dedication to my studies have been recognized and rewarded,” she said.

The scholarship will allow Vu to focus on her studies and “fully commit” to her educational journey. “It has motivated me to make the most of this opportunity to further my education and career, and I am eager to see where this journey will take me.”

As a first-generation student, Vu does not take any part of her educational experience for granted—and she sees this scholarship as an encouragement for her future.

“Scholarships like this one are not just financial aid; they represent a belief in my potential and a recognition of my hard work,” she said. “They enable me to pursue my dreams of becoming a dental hygienist, and empower me to give back to families like mine in the future. My goal is not just to excel in my career, but also to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. I am grateful for the chance to do so.”