LEXINGTON, Ky. — Sierra Nunn, DMD, a second-year postdoctoral candidate in the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry’s Advanced Specialty Program in Endodontics, has been selected as one of three recipients nationwide of the 2026 Foundation for Endodontics Dentsply Sirona Freedom Scholarship.
Nunn received the award during the American Association of Endodontists’ Annual Program in Clinical Endodontics Symposium (APICES), held Aug. 14-15 in St. Louis. The annual conference brings together endodontic residents from programs across the United States and Canada for education, professional development and opportunities to connect with leaders in the specialty.
The Freedom Scholarship recognizes endodontic residents who demonstrate academic excellence, dedication and the potential to make a meaningful impact in the specialty.
Created through a partnership between the Foundation for Endodontics and Dentsply Sirona, the Freedom Scholarship helps ease the financial burden associated with advanced specialty training. Through a five-year, $750,000 commitment, the program provides three residents each year with $50,000 to support tuition, equipment and other training-related expenses.
“Winning the Freedom Scholarship is an incredible honor and a reminder that perseverance and purpose are recognized,” Nunn said. “As a first-generation college student, mother of three and endodontic resident, this scholarship eases a significant financial burden and allows me to focus on becoming the best clinician, educator and mentor I can be. I am deeply grateful for this investment in my future and will pay it forward to my profession in the future.”
Nunn also thanked Mark Schachman, DMD, assistant professor and director of the Endodontics Certificate Program, and Alfred Wiemann, DMD, MS, assistant professor and division chief of Endodontics, for encouraging her to pursue the scholarship and supporting her throughout the application process.
A Louisville native, Nunn earned her bachelor’s degree from UK in 2014 and her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the UK College of Dentistry in 2019. She participated in the college’s Endodontic Scholars Program in 2021 and served on the UK College of Dentistry faculty from 2020-25 before returning to pursue specialty training in endodontics.
The Freedom Scholarship will support Nunn as she continues her training and prepares for a career focused on patient care, education and mentorship.