Lindsay Woods, DDS ’16, has received a Gaylord Scholarship, one of several awards which are presented annually to students who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence. “It is a great honor to receive this scholarship,” Woods says. “It really helps to ease my financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my coursework and my patients.”

As a child growing up in rural New Market, Md., Woods became interested in pursuing a career in health care. She interned with a local dentist during her senior year of high school, and was amazed by how CAD/CAM dentistry and new imaging technologies have revolutionized the profession. Woods attended the University of Maryland, College Park, and majored in marketing – a decision she had made before she fell in love dentistry. “I decided to stick with marketing because I want to own my own practice in the future, and I thought that a business background could be very helpful,” she says.

Since enrolling at UMSOD, Woods has enjoyed the opportunity to provide care for underserved patients. As a regular volunteer with the American Association of Women Dentist’s Smiles for Success Program, she provides dental treatment for women who are transitioning back into the workforce after facing abuse, addiction or financial hardship. Woods also volunteers for the Lessons in the Lunchbox program, which educates elementary school children about the importance of oral health care. “It is so important to help children build a good foundation for oral health,” she says. “Hopefully, if they start young, they will continue developing healthy habits. It is fun to see them get excited about dentistry.”

Woods is considering pursuing orthodontic training after graduation, and she intends to open a private practice in her native state. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, running, cheering on the Orioles at Camden Yards and spending time with her family.