Max Emmerling, DDS ’15, has received the Dr. John A. Nespeca Scholarship. The award is presented annually to an academically outstanding dental student who shows a strong interest in oral surgery. “I am honored to receive this award,” says Emmerling, who also expresses gratitude to the donors who support this scholarship.

Emmerling was exposed to dentistry at a very young age; his grandfather, great-uncle, uncle and cousin all attended the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) and worked in private practice together. He enjoyed the opportunity to observe and assist in their dental practice. While he was in college, Emmerling, of Ellicott City, Md., decided he wanted to follow in their footsteps, so he applied to UMSOD. “I was attracted to dentistry because it blends my science background with my desire to help people,” he says. “Dentistry fuels the artistic aspects of my interests.”

At UMSOD, Emmerling became active in the Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery Interest Society, a student group that provides resources and mentorship for dental students interested in pursuing an oral-maxillofacial surgery career. He enjoyed being able to help his peers learn about the specialty and understand the steps they will need to take to enter an oral-maxillofacial surgery residency. The specialty appeals to Emmerling because of its focus on treating patients holistically. He intends to pursue an oral-maxillofacial surgery residency after he graduates from UMSOD this spring. His experiences in the OMFS Interest Society have inspired him to consider a career in academics.

In his spare time, Emmerling enjoys reading, watching movies and cheering for the Orioles and Ravens. An avid traveler, he tries to visit a new city each year.