Dentistry experience
10/02/2024
Addie Hilden spent her summer interning in a dental office and with an oral surgeon.
Grant provides a chance to explore
Interested in pursuing a career in dentistry, Addie Hilden ‘26, a biology major from Lima, Ohio, applied for a Summer Discovery Grant to help her gain shadowing experience in the field. During the summer of 2024, she learned more about dentistry through two internships, one in a dental office and the other in oral surgery.
Through her internship with the dental office, Hilden was able to assist dentists and gain hands-on experience. In the oral surgery practice, Hilden was able to stand in on oral surgeries and see first-hand the ins and outs of oral procedures.
“These experiences were really cool, and I am hoping to go back next summer,” said Hilden. “I gained a lot of knowledge and made connections with professionals in my future career.”
Hilden always knew she wanted to work in the field of dentistry, but these experiences helped solidify her career path.
“I was really nervous going into these internships because you never know if you are going to like something until you actually do it,” said Hilden. “Because of the Discovery Grant, I was able to actually assist and work with the dentists, which will significantly help me.”
Hilden says because of Bluffton’s small class sizes, she has been able to grow closer with her classmates and faculty.
“The science department is great because everyone in my major has similar schedules, so this has helped us build relationships with each other,” said Hilden. “My professors are amazing, but specifically Dr. Sarah Lehman. Dr. Lehman has been such a big help with everything in regard to my personal life, professional life and she even helped me get the Discovery Grant.”
By applying for the Summer Discovery Grant, Hilden was awarded $1,500 to develop her summer plans and learn more about her calling. The grant is supported by the Karl Schultz Discovery Funds, an endowment established through the gift of Bluffton alumnus, Karl Schultz. Up to two Summer Discovery Grants are awarded each summer.
After graduating from Bluffton, Hilden plans to go to dental school in hopes to become a dentist one day. Hilden said the Discovery Grant will help her be prepared for the observation hours she must gain as a requirement for dental school.