Breaking News: Freedom Scholarship Recipients Announced!
The Foundation for Endodontics, with incredibly generous support from Dentsply Sirona, is proud to announce the winners of the inaugural Freedom Scholarship. Aptly named, the intent behind the creation of this scholarship program is to reduce student debt, offering freedom to the recipients. With nearly 50 applicants, the competition was tough, but three candidates stood out for their enthusiasm and promise. The winners were introduced at APICES 2024 in Austin, TX. Congratulations to Drs. Andrew Sullivan, Brittney Brown, and Chloe Beninati!
Andrew Sullivan, DDS
Department of Endodontics
Indiana University School of Dentistry
Class of 2025
I grew up in a small town of less than a thousand people. I came from a very loving working-class family; therefore I have had to carve my own path financially. Between sports and working for local farmers and small businesses, I learned a great deal about the value of hard work. Whether I was stacking hay, laying mulch, or framing a house, I came to appreciate working with my hands and the satisfaction of a job well done. I have continued to enjoy hands-on hobbies such as woodworking, hunting, fishing, and even crafting my wife’s engagement ring. My family will always be the number one reason why I became a dentist. Dentistry not only allows me to provide for my family but also combines my passion for helping others with my willingness to serve my community.
This scholarship will ease my financial burden allowing me the opportunity to bring my expertise to an underserved population of family, friends, and future patients.”
Brittney Brown, DMD
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
University of Southern California
Class of 2025
What lies within us is the most defining aspect of who we are. What I love about endodontics is that the focus is on what is within the tooth, without losing sight of the overall picture. Endodontics is dentistry’s version of resuscitation- providing the tooth with a second chance at life. I believe in second chances and have seen root canal therapy help countless patients get out of pain and maintain their teeth for esthetics and function. Although it is impossible to be perfect, I constantly strive to get as close to perfection as I can, not only for my personal growth but for my patients and the profession as well. I am very grateful to be in the position I am in, but I also know it didn’t come easy and required a lot of hard work and sacrifice. This scholarship would mean so much to me. It would relieve some of the financial stress and pressure to make ends meet and would help reduce the amount of time required to pay off my loans.
Chloe Beninati, DDS, MPH
Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine
Stony Brook University
Class of 2025
One of the things I love most about dentistry is the opportunity to choose your own adventure. My dental school classmates had various motivations for entering the field; they had a dentist who gave them the confidence to smile, a positive childhood experience, and parents who owned private offices. They have since gone on to become orthodontists, pediatric dentists, and entrepreneurial GPs. For me, it was pain. I was working as a Teaching Artist for a youth-serving nonprofit during undergrad, contemplating what to do with my degrees in Psychology and Poverty Studies. One of my students came to class clutching their swollen cheek, paralyzed. I felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility and my path to dentistry became clear. Later, I came to realize that endodontics was in my heart all along. Almost any amount of debt would be worth it to pursue this dream. It fills me with gratitude to know that three residents like myself – compassionate, hard-working, and with a genuine passion for endodontics – will be awarded this generous financial support.
If you see these incredible residents around, please offer them your congratulations and well wishes!