The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry congratulates fourth-year DMD student Karah Brown on being selected as a one of this year’s 12 recipients of the ADEA/GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Preventive Dentistry Scholarship. The $2,500 award is presented to predoctoral dental students who have demonstrated academic excellence and a strong interest in preventive dentistry through activities and achievements.

"Karah has shown a great heart for preventive dental care through community service," said Dr. Reny de Leeuw, associate dean for academic affairs. Since the beginning of her dental education, Brown has exhibited a passion for providing care to underserved patients of all ages.

Brown has volunteered for Saturday Morning Clinics and Give Kids a Smile — both programs that provide no-cost care and education to children in the Lexington community. Additionally, she has served at Mission Lexington Dental Clinic, Dentistry from the Heart, GreenHouse17 and Ronald McDonald Charities of the Bluegrass. She has also participated in various dental mission trips.

Outside of the clinic, Brown serves as president of the UKCD chapter of the American Student Dental Association and is a fourth-year representative for the college admissions committee. She is also a member of the dean's student advisory council. She credits participation in organizations like ASDA and the American Association of Women Dentists for inspiring her passion for serving and educating others.

"Preventive dentistry is an aspect of our field that should be emphasized more in order to better protect the oral health of our patients," Brown said, "UKCD has not only taught us to be the best dentists we can be, but it has also given us the mindset that we can change patient's lives through our work."