Articles
Dental Hygiene student wins $500 scholarship at statewide conference
By Andi Atkinson
Mar 27, 2025
Dental Hygiene student Maren Jensen of Katy, Texas, accepts the Omega Seminars Jan Smith Memorial Scholarship at the Texas Dental Hygiene Association conference on March 1.
Maren Jensen, Dental Hygiene student at Houston Community College – Coleman College for Health Sciences, received the Omega Seminars Jan Smith Memorial Scholarship for $500 at the Texas Dental Hygiene Association conference on March 1.
“I’m extremely honored by this scholarship,” Jensen said. “I’m very passionate about dental hygiene and the role it plays in overall health and quality of life.”
To be eligible for the statewide scholarship, applicants needed to be enrolled in a dental hygiene school, maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher, participate in student TDHA activities, and serve in school, community, or faith-based entities.
Applicants also needed to write a one-page essay on the most important legislative goal for organized dental hygienists.
For her essay, Jensen addressed the lack of dental care access for underserved and rural communities across the state and country and closing the gap through the widespread implementation of dental therapy, which allows licensed dental professionals to complete basic restorative procedures under the supervision of a dentist.
Jensen’s list of achievements also helped her stand out during the selection process.
She serves in numerous leadership roles at HCC Coleman College, including president of the American Dental Hygiene Association student chapter, community service chair of the National Society of Leadership and Success student chapter, and treasurer of the campus Student Government Association.
Jenson is also a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Phi Theta Kappa and its “All-Texas Academic Team.”
Additionally, she is also the recipient of numerous honors and scholarships, including the recent American Dental Assistants Association’s Merit Scholar award, Girls Ready to Empower Girls award, and Dr. Alexanderia K. Lane Memorial Scholarship.
Jensen even finds time to volunteer with Kids Meals on Wheels, Houston Food Bank, San Jose Clinic, and Houston Humane Society.
A resident of Katy, Texas, Jensen graduates from the HCC Dental Hygiene program in May 2025.