2025 MDA Foundation Scholarship Winners

Michael Allison, UMKC 2026. Michael grew up in Branson, Mo., where he attended Branson High before earning a biology degree from Evangel University. Michael is super active in a variety of activities from mentoring younger students to helping with outreach to the homeless to serving as Executive Secretary in the Oral Surgery Club. His family has always modeled service to others including his mother’s obstetrics practice and patient care as well as his grandparents’ many mission trips. Michael plans to continue that model upon graduation.

Sydney Bauer, UMKC 2026. A 2019 graduate of Fox High School in Arnold, Mo., Sydney earned a biology degree from UMKC before enrolling in dental school at UMKC. Her passion for dentistry was born from her first experience in the dental chair as a child. Inspired by her dentist’s ability to provide care in a compassionate way, she knew not everyone had access to such care. She’s fanning that flame by volunteering with the JayDoc clinic. Upon graduation, Sydney wants to own her own practice, be a Medicaid provider and host annual Give Kids a Smile events.

Jason Firth, UMKC 2026. Jason hales from a dental family. Both his father, Dr. John Firth, and his brother, Dr. Justin Firth, are MDA members. Jason grew up in St. Louis and attended Lindbergh High. After graduating from BYU, Jason returned to Missouri to attend dental school where he serves in many roles including as President of the ASDA chapter where he’s developed an appreciation for organized dentistry. He has helped raise funds for both ASDA involvement and to support the ongoing work of the JayDoc clinic which has shaped his desire to serve the underserved. Providing dental education to children is a motivating factor as well.

Makenzie Montie, UMKC 2026. A central Missouri native, Makenzie went to Rockbridge High in Columbia before earning a Health Science degree from the University of Central Florida. After two years working in a dental office, she learned the power of preventive care and education and that led to dental school. Makenzie’s interests lie in leadership and mentoring. Beyond many dental school activities, she serves as a CASA volunteer which is fueling her passion to treat vulnerable children.

Tim Nguyen, UMKC 2026. Tim’s life has been deeply marked by his parents’ story as Vietnam refugees who escaped by boat as teenagers to begin a new life in America. They have instilled in Tim an appreciation for the opportunities afforded him. He has responded with an extensive resume of service and achievement. His school experience has revealed the many barriers to access and Tim plans some untraditional hours and approaches in his practice upon graduation to serve his community well.

Kyler Simoncic, UMKC 2027. A small-town childhood of hunting and fishing and working hard in Sedalia, Mo., formed Kyler’s vision for the future. After graduating from Smith Cotton High and attending Central Missouri University, Kyler adjusted to the big city environment in Kansas City where he jumped into volunteer activities such as KMOM and attending the ASDA District 8 conference. He’s determined to return to a small town and provide care with the same values he was raised with. This meets a big need as many rural dentists are retiring.