Earlier this month, distinguished University of Kentucky students and alumni were honored with the Torch of Excellence and Torch Bearer awards at the 27th annual Lyman T. Johnson Upholding the Torch of Excellence awards ceremony. Among those recognized were College of Dentistry alumna Dr. Tonda Helton, and fourth-year student dentist Whitney White.

The event recognized deserving African-American alumni, faculty, staff, and students who exemplify the passion and courage exhibited by Lyman T. Johnson, an educator and civil rights leader who led the fight for the desegregation of the University of Kentucky.

The Torch of Excellence Award was presented to Dr. Tonda Helton (photo from left: Dr. Helton and Whitney White). Dr. Helton earned a Bachelor of Science in nutrition from the University of Kentucky in 2003, and went on to earn a doctorate in dental medicine in 2007. She now works as the Dental Director for Park DuValle Community Health Center in her hometown of Louisville.

Throughout her career, Dr. Helton has delivered compassionate care to underserved populations from both rural and urban areas. Her personal mission is to educate her patients — both young and old — to improve their dental literacy.

When not working with patients, Dr. Helton enjoys family movie night with her husband, son, and daughter. She hopes to inspire her children, along with others, to pursue their dreams through hard work. She is also actively involved with several community and professional organizations. As a member of the board of directors for St. Vincent de Paul Louisville, she works toward the betterment of those struggling with homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. She is also an executive board member of the Louisville chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc, an organization of mothers that work to serve the community and strengthen familial bonds. Dr. Helton is a tripartite member of the American Dental Association, the National Network for Oral Health Access, and the Kentucky Oral Health Coalition.

Fourth-year student dentist Whitney White received the Torch Bearer Award. White, who completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan, is an exceptional student who has remained active in underserved and underrepresented communities throughout her time in dental school. Her love for traveling and experiencing new cultures has manifested in several outreach programs in which she has been involved. Most recently she completed a four-week externship in Red Mesa, Arizona through the Indian Health Service. While living on the Navajo reservation, she provided dental care and education to children and adults in the Four Corners region.

She also participated in a service trip to Santo Domingo, Ecuador, where she provided oral health care to several hundred residents with limited access. This opportunity came through UK’s Shoulder to Shoulder Global program, which sends interprofessional health brigades to Ecuador several times each year.

Locally, White frequently volunteers at Mission Lexington, a clinic that provides healthcare free of charge to adults in Lexington. There, she enjoys connecting with her patients and mentoring pre-dental students who volunteer as well.

At school, White serves as the president for the Student National Dental Association, which aims to create a supportive social and academic environment for minority students. In this role, she ensures there are social, service, and mentoring opportunities for members. She is also the advertising chair for the American Association of Public Health Dentistry.

White hopes to complete a 12-month residency and begin working as a general dentist. She plans to continue giving back to underserved minority communities and mentoring pre-dental students.