October 2026 Monthly Byte

Volunteer Opportunities

The ISDS Foundation invites you to make a real impact by volunteering at dental clinics, federally qualified health centers, charitable dental events, and more. Your time and skills can help bring healthy smiles back to our communities. Explore clinics by clicking here and see how you can help!

Foundation Awards Presented

at the ISDS Annual Session

Greek Leadership Award

The Greek Leadership Award was presented to Dr. Brittaney Hill.

This award is presented annually to an ISDS member who has demonstrated leadership qualities, a sincere involvement in ISDS, and has been in dental practice for ten years or less.

Congratulations, Dr. Hill and thank you for your commitment and dedication to the profession of dentistry!

2026 Scholarship Winners

The ISDS Foundation awarded scholarships to six dental students, with two students selected from each of the Illinois' three dental schools. Each recipient received a $6,000 scholarship.

For the first time, third-year advanced standing students were also eligible to apply for these scholarships.

Congratulations to our 2026 winners:

Midwestern: Bhavik Patel, Nicole Griffin

UIC: Laith Abuzir, Lianna Chacon

SIU: Chase Fincham, Kassandra Canales

Dr. Keith and Peggy Dickey Dental Education Endowment Fund

The Illinois State Dental Society Foundation is proud to announce its continued support for dental education in Illinois through the Dr. Keith and Peggy Dickey Dental Education Endowment Fund program.

This year, the Foundation funded three major projects at the state's dental schools, each aimed at improving student training, expanding access to care, and strengthening the dental workforce.

$9,000 was awarded to each school at this year's ISDS Annual Session.

Click here to learn more about the ISDS Foundation programs!

Dentists Support Program

Assistance Program Provides Lifeline to Dentists in Need

24-hour confidential cell phone text: 312/318-8810 or 708/287-4132. You may also contact Dr. Bill Hamel or

Dr. Tom Sullivan for

more information.

Addiction can make even the strongest people feel isolated and overwhelmed. For dentists facing these struggles, it's easy to believe there's nowhere to turn. But the ISDS Foundation offers a lifeline. Through the Dentists Support Program, dentists can reach out - anonymously - for the support they need.

This program connects dentists battling alcohol or substance abuse with treatment resources. Reaching out is simple and confidential. It is completely anonymous and takes just a couple of minutes.

Text Alert Platform for the ISDS Foundation

Stay up to date on all the latest ISDS Foundation news by signing up for the new text alert platform! to sign up, click here.