Midwestern University, in partnership with Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation, proudly announces the recipients of the Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation Admissions Scholarship, which recognizes high-achieving dental students with a strong commitment to service and clinical excellence.
Five first-year dental medicine students — Lindsay Chin, Valeria Garcia, Christian Luna, Janice Ordaz, and Cynthia Theodore — were awarded a Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation Admissions Scholarship to attend Midwestern University’s College of Dental Medicine-Illinois (CDMI).
Recipients’ academic performance, leadership skills, research involvement, and dedication to caring for underserved communities are considered. Additional considerations include students who are first-generation college students and who demonstrate financial need.
“Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation is proud to support the educational journey of future dental professionals committed to excellence and service,” said Lora Vitek, Executive Director of the Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation. “By supporting young dental professionals at Midwestern University through these scholarships, we are providing opportunities to deserving students who share our mission to improve oral health and create more resilient communities.”
This year’s scholarship recipients exemplify that mission, bringing diverse experiences, strong academic backgrounds, and a shared passion for serving others to their studies at the College of Dental Medicine-Illinois.
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- Lindsay Chin
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- Christian Luna
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- Valeria Garcia
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- Janice Ordaz
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- Cynthia Theodore
Originally from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Lindsay Chin (CDMI ’29) moved to Dallas, Texas, in 2018. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of North Texas and a master’s degree in medical sciences from the UNT Health Science Center. After working as a dental hygienist for eight years, she was inspired to pursue a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. “I enjoyed being a dental hygienist, but as I learned more about dentistry, I realized that I wanted to become a dentist,” she said. “I chose CDMI for its unmatched clinical experience that I feel confident will shape me into an exceptional dentist.”
Valeria Garcia (CDMI ‘29) was born in Venezuela and moved to the United States at the age of 3. She earned her bachelor’s degree in natural and applied sciences from Florida International University and completed a master’s degree in biomedical sciences at Barry University. Her passion for dentistry began while working as a dental assistant, where she saw how the field blends science, art, and compassion to transform lives. Valeria chose Midwestern for its welcoming and supportive environment, saying, “I felt that this was a place where I would grow both professionally and personally to become the best dentist I can be. There is such a welcoming and supportive environment, I instantly knew that this is where I belonged.”
Christian Luna (CDMI ’29) grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Illinois Chicago. With over a decade of experience as a dental assistant, Christian discovered a deep passion for dentistry through his love of learning, problem-solving, sculpting, and caring for others. His journey toward becoming a dentist began in earnest after meeting a mentor in 2018 who encouraged him to pursue more for his professional future. Reflecting on his experience during the interview process for CDMI, Christian shared, “I left [my interview] that day feeling like I know I belonged, and I know that I will be proud to one day call myself CDMI alum. Receiving the Delta Dental scholarship means that I will pay my loans off a little sooner, which in turn will help me reach my long-term goals faster. For that, I’m incredibly grateful.”
Janice Ordaz, (CDMI ‘29), is originally from Los Angeles, California, and later relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in biology from Florida Atlantic University. Her interest in dentistry began with a childhood dental visit that turned out to be a positive and memorable experience, inspiring her to help others feel the same way about dental care. Reflecting on her journey, Janice said, “After coming such a long way in my pursuit towards becoming a dentist, I’m excited and honored to be selected for the Delta Dental scholarship, which will not only soften the financial burden but also empower me to perform my very best at CDMI.”
Growing up in Queens, New York, Cynthia Theodore (CDMI ’29) saw early on how access to dental care can shape a person’s confidence and quality of life. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from SUNY Old Westbury and is committed to serving and empowering underserved communities through dentistry. Reflecting on the impact of her scholarship, Cynthia said, “This scholarship from Delta Dental is an incredible gift as it lifts a financial burden and lets me focus on becoming the provider I’ve always hoped to be. I feel honored to be part of a program that aligns so closely with my values and future goals.”
The five students were selected for the scholarship will begin their dental education in the fall 2025 semester at Midwestern University’s College of Dental Medicine-Illinois (CDMI) on the Downers Grove Campus. They are expected to graduate in 2029 after completing four years of rigorous coursework, hands-on simulations, clinical training and community-based rotations. Midwestern’s CDMI program prepares students for careers in oral healthcare through a comprehensive curriculum focused on clinical excellence and patient-centered care. The University is proud to partner with Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation, the charitable arm of Delta Dental of Illinois, in support of this shared mission to improve health and well-being throughout the state.
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Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit graduate and postgraduate educational institution specializing in the health sciences with 12 colleges located on two campuses. The Illinois campus, located on a 105-acre site in Downers Grove, is home to nearly 3,000 students and the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine; the College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove; the College of Health Sciences, Downers Grove; the College of Dental Medicine-Illinois; the Chicago College of Optometry; and the College of Graduate Studies, Downers Grove. The Arizona campus, located on a 156-acre site in Glendale, is home to over 3,900 students and the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine; the College of Pharmacy, Glendale; the College of Health Sciences, Glendale; the College of Dental Medicine-Arizona; the Arizona College of Optometry; the College of Veterinary Medicine; the College of Graduate Studies, Glendale; and the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, visit http://www.midwestern.edu or call 623/572-3215.
Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation was formed in March 2008 by Delta Dental of Illinois, a not-for-profit dental service corporation with a mission to improve the oral health of the communities it serves. Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation is the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of Delta Dental of Illinois and works to support and improve the oral health of people in Illinois. In the past decade, combined efforts of Delta Dental of Illinois and Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation have provided more than $32 million to programs and organizations in Illinois that improve the oral health of 1.2 million Illinois residents. For more information, visit https://www.deltadentalil.com/ddilfoundation/.