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By: Amy Charles | August 6, 2026
The University of Pikeville (UPIKE), Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) and Delta Dental of Kentucky have partnered to create a new scholarship program that will expand educational opportunities for future dentists while strengthening Kentucky’s oral health workforce.
The Delta Dental of Kentucky ARH Family Scholarship provides financial assistance to eligible dependents of ARH employees who are admitted to the UPIKE Tanner College of Dental Medicine (TCDM). Funds are applied toward tuition and other approved educational expenses, with scholarship recipients eligible to reapply annually while they remain qualified for the program.
The scholarship also encourages graduates to serve communities across the Commonwealth by requiring recipients to practice in Kentucky for at least one year after earning their professional license.
The initiative reflects the shared commitment of UPIKE, ARH and Delta Dental of Kentucky to increase access to dental education, invest in Kentucky families and help address the state’s growing need for oral health professionals.
“This scholarship removes financial barriers for talented students while creating a pathway for future dentists to serve the people of Kentucky,” said TCDM Dean Jill Keaton, DMD, MS. “We are grateful to Delta Dental of Kentucky and Appalachian Regional Healthcare for investing in the next generation of oral healthcare providers.”
The scholarship is an example of ARH’s commitment to supporting employees and their families while creating opportunities that have a lasting impact on the communities it serves.
“At ARH, we believe investing in our employees also means investing in their families and in the future of the communities they call home,” said ARH President and CEO Hollie Harris. “We are proud to help create opportunities for the spouses and dependents of our employees to pursue careers in dentistry. This scholarship is another way we can support the people who make our ARH mission possible while helping create a healthier future for Kentucky.”
Through the scholarship, Delta Dental of Kentucky is investing in the education of future dental professionals at TCDM while supporting ARH employees and their families.
“Delta Dental of Kentucky is excited to partner with ARH to help make dental education more accessible for students pursuing their dreams at the University of Pikeville’s Tanner College of Dental Medicine,” said Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer for Delta Dental of Kentucky Brian Hart. “We believe this investment will create lasting benefits for Eastern Kentucky by encouraging more future dentists to serve the region and address critical oral healthcare needs.”
TCDM recently welcomed its inaugural class and is dedicated to preparing practice-ready dentists committed to serving rural and underserved populations. The new scholarship program further advances that mission by creating opportunities for students with strong ties to Kentucky and encouraging them to build their careers within the state.