Fueling dreams of the future

Third-year Doctor or Dental Surgery (DDS) student Jeff Lin’s aspirations to become a leader in oral healthcare are becoming a reality, thanks to the Faculty of Dentistry’s supportive community.

“The generous help of U of T Dentistry’s donors has provided me with financial support, allowing me more flexibility with my time and academic responsibilities,” says Lin. “During my undergraduate studies, I had a limited scope of activities that I could participate in as I struggled to balance the responsibilities of a part-time job and academics. Now, in dental school, the extra time afforded to me through this financial support has allowed me to raise awareness for charitable causes and organize school-wide community events as my class council community rep.”

I can confidently say that without the support of donors, I would not have been able to do what I have done during my journey at U of T Dentistry so far

Lin has received support through the Tomkins Family Award in Dentistry. Donations to establish Awards, Bursaries and to the school’s priority funds, like the Annual Fund, give students like Lin the opportunity to make the most of their education at U of T Dentistry and also develop outside of the classroom and clinic. Lin has been a mentor for the summer high school mentorship program, which introduces the field of dentistry to more than 100 high school students of Indigenous or African ancestry, and is also an intramural champion, representing the Faculty of Dentistry in various sports.

“I can confidently say that without the support of donors, I would not have been able to do what I have done during my journey at U of T Dentistry so far,” he says. “I am tremendously grateful for this generosity, which has allowed me to pursue my profession of choice as well as my personal goals.”

Growing up in a rural fishing village in China, Lin notes that accessible dental care was a distant concept, with the nearest dental clinic being over 100km away. For many of his family members and those in his community, the lack of accessible dental services meant that many untreated oral health issues became more common. He witnessed firsthand how this gap in care affected family and neighbours, inspiring him to pursue a career in dentistry to provide much-needed care in these communities.

As Lin reflects on his own past and looks ahead to his future, he also acknowledges the milestone happening at the Faculty this year.

“This year, we celebrate the past 150 years of dental education at the Faculty and look ahead to the next 150,” says Lin. “I can’t wait to see the continued impact of our generous donors and how it will help create new scholarships, fund ground-breaking research, and change the lives of students. As the first in my family to attend university, I’ve benefited directly from the U of T Dentistry community and donors generous support. And as I look ahead to my own future, I hope to be able to provide comprehensive and accessible care.”

The U of T Dentistry community has the unique opportunity to double their impact and support students like Jeff in their journey to become dentistry professionals. For U of T Giving Day, until March 26, 2025, every dollar donated to U of T Dentistry’s featured funds will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $1,000, while matching funds last.

“This isn’t just about doubling your impact though — it’s about fueling the dreams of future oral health leaders, like me,” says Lin. “Through my education at U of T Dentistry and exposure to all dental specialties, I have gained a glimpse of all aspects of dentistry but also, developed as a well-rounded individual. Experiences like these strengthen my ability to deliver high-quality and comprehensive care for all individuals once I graduate. None of this would have been possible without support from donors. And in our close-knit community, every act of generosity strengthens the foundation for a brighter future for dentistry.”

To explore the priority funds eligible for the U of T Giving Day match and what might be most meaningful to you, visit U of T Dentistry’s Giving Day website.

Top photo: Jeff Lin (Jeff Comber)