Dental Trade Alliance Foundation scholarship awarded to Dental Therapy student

Gabrielle Sommers, BSDH ’26, MDT ’27, who is professionally focused on removing barriers to care, has earned a scholarship that should remove some financial barriers for her own academic work. She was recently awarded a scholarship from Dental Trade Alliance Foundation (DTA), which recognizes outstanding students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, financial need and a commitment to expanding access to oral healthcare in their communities. Each year, scholarships go to aspiring dental professionals whose dedication reflects the DTA Foundation’s mission of advancing oral health through education, service and workforce development.

“Every scholarship represents an investment not only in an individual student, but in healthier communities and the future of oral healthcare,” said Jackie Michaels, DTA’s managing director. “We’re continually inspired by these students’ service and leadership. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we’ve been able to help remove financial barriers and support the next generation of dental professionals.”

Sommers’ own dedication to improved access has been foundational to her studies. “I actually discovered this scholarship opportunity while conducting my research for my Master’s degree capstone project, which I’m working on with DDS student Madi Wall under the guidance of Dr. Sheila Riggs,” she said. The project focuses on enhancing the financial sustainability of Minnesota’s safety net and critical access dental clinics by building a centralized resource database to help efficiently navigate and acquire grant funding.

“Discovering the DTA Foundation's mission through my research felt like a natural full-circle moment, as both my academic research and my clinical training focus around removing barriers to care for vulnerable populations,” she said.

In addition to her capstone work, she’s also volunteered and contributed in many ways throughout her community. “I’ve volunteered with Give Kids a Smile, Mission of Mercy and local fluoride varnish clinics,” she said. “I’ve also visited elementary schools to teach early hygiene habits to kindergarteners.” Sommers recently worked on a group initiative with three other School of Dentistry students, creating training for nursing home staff on proper oral hygiene for residents.

While the DTA scholarship will be a welcome help for her finances, it’s also been a validation of the hard work that’s brought her to this place in her academic career: “This scholarship reinforces that the professional community sees the value in dual-degree models and workforce innovation,” she said. “It’s elevated my perspective from seeing myself as a student entering a field, to recognizing my role as emerging leader and advocate for health equity. It’s inspired me to keep showing up and pushing for systemic change.”

Sommers is already looking forward to a post-graduate career that makes a difference in patients’ lives. “After graduation, I plan to practice in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) or non-profit clinic,” she said. “As a dual-trained provider, practicing in these settings will allow me to maximize my scope of practice by offering both hygiene and basic restorative procedures. I hope to empower patients with the knowledge and care needed to protect their overall health.”