Delta Dental of Oklahoma (DDOK) and the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation announced a $10,000 scholarship program for 28 University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry students for the 2026‑27 academic year. The scholarships, part of a not‑for‑profit effort to strengthen the state’s dental workforce, were awarded to a mix of dental and dental‑hygiene students from across Oklahoma and a few international locations.

Local recipients highlighted

Among the awardees are three Tulsa residents: Jack Schloss, a second‑year dental student; Hareem Shoaib, a fourth‑year dental student; and Molly Worley, also a fourth‑year dental student. Schloss has served as a representative for the American Student Dental Association and volunteered with OUCOD Kids’ Day. Shoaib held leadership roles in the Access and Opportunity Student Association and the Student Professionalism and Ethics Association, and she volunteers with Oklahoma Mission of Mercy and Crossings Community Clinic. Worley founded the Oral Robert University Pre‑Dental Club during her undergraduate years and has volunteered with Ministries of Jesus Clinic and Catholic Charities of Tulsa.

Program growth and impact

Established in 2001, the DDOK Foundation’s scholarship program aims to support dental and dental‑hygiene students pursuing careers that will serve Oklahoma communities. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the foundation doubled the number of scholarships awarded this year, increasing the total from 14 to 28. Since its inception, the program has contributed more than $1.6 million to OU College of Dentistry students.

John Gladden, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Oklahoma, said, “Through our scholarship program, DDOK aims to help build the state’s workforce of dental professionals. Supporting the education of dental and dental hygiene students is just one way we fulfill our not‑for‑profit mission to advance the oral health of Oklahomans.”

Dean’s perspective

Paul M. Mullasseril, D.D.S., M.S., dean of the OU College of Dentistry, praised the partnership, stating, “Delta Dental of Oklahoma and its Foundation play an important role in helping our students advance in their education and professions. DDOK’s continued investment in dental education strengthens the profession and helps ensure Oklahoma communities have access to quality oral health care for generations to come.”

Full list of scholarship recipients

Dental scholarship recipients include students from Oklahoma City, Broken Arrow, Ponca City, Elgin, and even international scholars from Abu Dhabi and Shiraz. Dental‑hygiene recipients hail from Guymon, Ada, Chickasha, Hartshorne, Jenks, and Shattuck, among other locations.

The scholarships total $228,000 for the 2026‑27 school year, providing vital financial support that allows students to focus on their studies and community service. The program underscores a broader commitment to improving oral health access across the state, aligning with the mission of both the university and Delta Dental of Oklahoma.

Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.