Scholarship to Success: Dr. Tamera Thomas’ Journey in Dentistry
When Dr. Tamera Thomas received a Dental Trade Alliance Foundation scholarship in 2024, she was completing her dental education at Meharry Medical College with a commitment to using her career to make a positive impact on others.
For Tamera, receiving the scholarship represented more than financial support. It was also encouragement to continue moving forward and giving back.
“It serves as a reminder to persevere and continue making a positive impact on others’ lives,” Tamera shared after receiving the scholarship. “It’s fulfilling to not only share my personal dental journey, but also to help others avoid the challenges that I had to face.”
That commitment to helping others has been a consistent part of Tamera’s journey.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tamera volunteered alongside other Meharry students and faculty to support the university’s community testing efforts in Nashville. Meharry established free drive-through testing sites to help reach residents throughout the community, and Tamera was among the students who stepped up to help.
Her dedication to service continued throughout dental school.
As a fourth-year dental student, Tamera served on the planning committee for the 2025 Give Kids A Smile national kickoff event hosted at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry. The event brought dental professionals and students together to provide children in the Nashville community with dental screenings, treatment, oral health education and a positive introduction to dental care.
Tamera’s own experiences helped shape the way she connected with young patients. She recalled being an inquisitive child herself and having a dentist who took the time to explain procedures and answer her questions. As she prepared to become a dentist, she wanted to provide that same comfort and understanding to the children she treated.
In summer 2025, Tamera graduated from Meharry Medical College and officially became Dr. Tamera Thomas.
Today, Dr. Thomas is practicing dentistry in the St. Louis, Missouri area, putting into action the commitment to service and positive impact that she spoke about when receiving her scholarship.
Her journey from scholarship recipient to practicing dentist is a reminder of the lasting impact that investing in the next generation of dental professionals can have.
The DTA Foundation is proud to have supported Dr. Tamera Thomas along her journey and looks forward to seeing the impact she continues to make through her career in dentistry.