Grant Recipients

Note: The program is closed to new applications

Meet the DMD Program Recipients

Congratulations to the recipients selected for the Dedicated to Minnesota Dentists dental educational loan repayment for service program! All six dentists are newly licensed and practicing in their chosen Minnesota community.

Learn more below:

Lucy Corrin, Dedicated Minnesota Dentist Recipient

Lucy Corrin

Dr. Lucy Corrin graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in May 2018 with a D.D.S. degree. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the University of North Dakota, and has volunteered with Open Minnesota and Special Olympics Minnesota. Dr. Corrin will be practicing in Bigfork, Minnesota.


Kristal Wilmes, Dedicated Minnesota Dentist Recipient

Kristal Wilmes

Dr. Kristal Wilmes graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in June 2018 with a D.D.S. degree. She has received awards from the University of Minnesota for excellence in Clinical Prosthodontics and for Outstanding Work in Operative Dentistry. Dr. Wilmes will be going back to her hometown to practice in Tyler, Minnesota.


Anna Carr

Anna Carr

Dr. Anna Carr graduated from Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health in June 2016 with a D.M.D degree. She has a variety of community experiences, including volunteering with Boys & Girls Clubs and assisting people with disabilities at Accessible Space, Inc. Originally from Minnesota, Dr. Carr has returned to practice in the Minnesota community of Deerwood.


Dr. Christine Gelo

Christine Gelo

Dr. Christine Gelo graduated from the University of Minnesota in May 2016 with a D.D.S. degree. She has been highly active in the dental community and served as president of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Student Dental Association. Dr. Gelo is returning to practice in her hometown of International Falls.


Christopher Steffenson

Christopher Steffenson

Dr. Steffenson is a recent graduate from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (May 2017). Dr. Steffenson has volunteered his services to various service organizations that help serve those most in need of oral health care. These include Give Kids a Smile, Union Gospel Mission and Saving Gopher Teeth. Dr. Steffenson will be practicing in Walker, Minnesota.


Crystal Chopp

Crystal Chopp

Dr. Crystal Chopp graduated from the Indiana University School of Dentistry in May of 2015 with a D.D.S. degree. She has participated in a number of community service projects and organizations such as the SEAL In program and traveled to Kenya and Haiti on international service learning trips. Crystal will be practicing dentistry in Ely, Minnesota.


Marissa Goplen

Marissa Goplen

Dr. Marissa Goplen graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in May of 2015 with a D.D.S. degree. She has been involved with the University of Minnesota Hispanic Student Dental Association since 2011, and has volunteered at Give Kids a Smile Day. Marissa will be practicing dentistry in Benson, Minnesota.


Michael Talberg

Michael Talberg

Dr. Michael Talberg graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in May 2017 with a D.D.S. degree. He is committed to giving back to the community by providing service to various oral health initiatives including Mission of Mercy (Mankato), Children’s Dental Services and the Union Gospel Mission. In addition, he volunteers with Second Harvest, Big Brothers Big Sisters and numerous other local charities. Dr. Talberg will practice dentistry in Cook, Minnesota.


Steve Holcombe

Steven Holcombe

Dr. Steven Holcombe graduated from Midwestern University Downers Grove- College of Dental Medicine in May of 2015. He has participated in Give Kids a Smile Day as well as Mission of Mercy in Illinois and Iowa. Steven will be practicing dentistry in Mora, Minnesota.


Mark Thiele

Mark Thiele

Dr. Mark Thiele graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in May of 2015 with a D.D.S. degree, and was a School of Dentistry Continuing Student Scholarship Nominee. Mark has volunteered with the Minnesota Mission of Mercy and Give Kids a Smile Day. Mark will be practicing dentistry in his hometown of Warroad, Minnesota.