Ryan Turner Memorial Scholarship

Ryan Turner was a fourth year dental student at the University of Michigan (and an ASDA board of trustee) when he passed away suddenly in January 2007. Ryan is remembered as a genuine, positive person whose presence is deeply missed by his family, friends and dental school peers.

Ryan was passionate about dentistry and planned to enter an AEGD program with the Army following graduation. He was a devoted member of ASDA since his first year of dental school. He held chapter leadership positions and was also a class representative and legislative liaison. In 2005, Ryan was elected to ASDA’s board of trustees as District 6 trustee. A fellow ASDA leader described Ryan as “a great example of how someone with excellent leadership abilities should carry himself.”

Purpose of Scholarship
The American Student Dental Association remembers Ryan Turner and his dedication to organized dentistry through an annual memorial scholarship in his honor. Each year, it is awarded to an ASDA member who demonstrates the same qualities and characteristics Ryan exhibited through his service to ASDA. The recipient will be chosen by the board of trustees and will receive $1,000. The recipient’s chapter will receive $500. Please note: ASDA does not cover the cost of recipient to attend Annual Session.

Submitting an Application
Only active predoctoral members may apply. Current and past ASDA national leaders are ineligible. Applications for the 2013 scholarship will be available in the fall. Applicants must send in the following:

• Application
• Curriculum Vitae
• Academic letter of good standing
• Letter of recommendation (from a professor, administrator, ASDA member)

LGN State Lobby Day Scholarship

Advocacy is at the heart of ASDA’s mission. Members are encouraged to support ASDA policies and protect their profession — and their patients’ rights — year round. At National Dental Student Lobby Day in Washington, D.C., federal advocacy is in action. However, it is the state level advocacy efforts that are key to advancing dentistry.Issues such as scope of practice and alternative workforce models are determined at the state and local levels.

Purpose of the Scholarship
It is important that dental students participate in state lobbying activities. To support advocacy at the local level, the LGN developed this scholarship. A maximum of $500 will be awarded per chapter, up to three chapters. Scholarships will be awarded based on those who apply and demonstrate a need for financial support to organize a state lobby day. The LGN will judge applications based on information provided about the event’s execution, funding sources and budgetary requirements.

Submitting an Application
The scholarships have been awarded to the following chapters for 2012: Boston University, University of Pittsburgh, University of Pennsylvania, University of Kentucky and University of Colorado. Watch the ASDA publications for updates from these chapters on their activities. The scholarship is under review for the future and more information will be posted in late 2012 if approved for 2013.