Dan Root Memorial Scholarship Dan Root discovered he had a natural gift for dentistry working for a dental lab as a young man. That gift launched his successful career. He founded Root Dental Laboratory in 1964, where he continued to build his business while he served in the U.S. Army Reserves as a dental assistant, working alongside UMKC dental students. An advocate for giving everyone a chance to succeed, Root hired many young people. Dan’s wife, Glenda, has established the Dan Root Memorial Scholarship in his honor for students with a demonstrated financial need and a 3.5 GPA, with preference given to students from rural areas.

Dr. Robert G. Marx Scholarship Dr. Robert G. Marx (D.D.S. ’77) was a proud graduate of the UMKC School of Dentistry. Both his patients and colleagues described him as gentle and caring, saying he made the most terrified patient enjoy their visits. Dr. Marx was an avid musician and philanthropist. In 1988, he established a special day where he provided free cleanings and crucial treatments to underserved children. His legacy lives on through his music, his practice and his philanthropic work. Family, friends and patients came together to create this scholarship to celebrate and honor Dr. Marx.

GEHA Solutions Diversity in Dentistry and Dental Hygiene GEHA (Government Employees Health Association, Inc.) has a storied history of supporting its community with intentional giving. This spirit carries through to today, where philanthropic efforts are focused around health equity. GEHA has a strong desire to expand underrepresented health-care workers, be a model for others, invest in change and address social determinants of health and systemic change. Both the dental and dental hygiene scholarships provided by GEHA support the growth of a culturally-diverse student body and profession by recruiting historically marginalized students and alleviating students’ financial burdens.