Anthem Dental Rural Medicine Scholarship launched at University of Pikeville

The University of Pikeville has introduced a new scholarship endowed by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid in Kentucky. The scholarship, called the Anthem Dental Rural Medicine Scholarship, will support students who are going to practice dentistry in rural communities across Kentucky as they attend the Tanner College of Dental Medicine at the University of Pikeville.

According to an article on the University of Pikeville’s website, Leon Lamoreaux, who serves as the president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid in Kentucky, was quoted as saying of the organization’s motivations for endowing the scholarship, saying, “Anthem is committed to closing the gap in health disparities and supporting Kentucky’s workforce through innovative solutions that reinvent health care across the state. Partnering with UPIKE will provide critical support to some of Kentucky’s brightest future dental leaders. Our investment in these students is a long-term commitment to enhancing dental and health outcomes in underserved areas of eastern Kentucky for years to come.” 

Anthem has been supporting the improvement of rural Kentucky healthcare for several years. It currently has partnerships with Eastern Kentucky University, Hazard Community & Technical College, Murray State University, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and Western Kentucky University in efforts to fight the shortage of healthcare workers in the commonwealth. It has also given almost $1 million in financial support since 2021 in order to reach the goal of expanding healthcare access.

Burton Webb, Ph.D., who serves as University of Pikeville’s president, said of the scholarship, We are profoundly grateful for Anthem’s partnership, which supports the mission of our Tanner College of Dental Medicine to educate future dentists dedicated to expanding access to oral health care in rural and underserved areas. Addressing systemic challenges, like improving dental access, requires vision and collaborations with like-minded community partners. The Anthem Dental Rural Medicine scholarship is a prime example of these principles in action. By coming together, we’re addressing the immediate financial needs of our students while also establishing long-term solutions with the potential to significantly transform the health of our communities.”

Historically, Kentucky has been underserved in terms of healthcare access, especially in its rural communities. A WalletHub survey found that Kentucky placed 43rd out of the 50 states in terms of overall dental health, and, in addition, a healthcare worker shortage is negatively impacting the region’s access to qualified, affordable healthcare.

Anthem and the University of Pikeville are hopeful that their partnership will help alleviate some of the issues Kentucky is facing, and help students reach their education goals more affordably.

For more information about the University of Pikeville, visit the school’s website.