Rachael Marley and Nathan Maloney pledge to help those without access to oral healthcare.

Two Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry students are taking their training far beyond textbooks and classrooms—and into communities that need them most.

As recipients of the highly competitive National Health Service Corps (NHSC) scholarship, Rachael Marley and Nathan Maloney have pledged to practice in Health Professional Shortage Areas, bringing much-needed dental care to patients who often go without.

The NHSC scholarship program is a federally funded initiative that provides full tuition and a monthly stipend to students pursuing an eligible training or degree program for a primary care health profession. In return, students commit to providing care in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) across the United States.​ This includes underserved populations in urban and rural settings and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).

“I believe it’s our responsibility to give back however we can,” said Marley. “So many people have supported, mentored and encouraged us along the way—we didn’t get here alone. Our communities need us. Whether the barriers are educational, socioeconomic, transportation or tied to broader social determinants of health, we owe it to ourselves and those around us to take action.”

Marley’s passion for serving underserved communities began as a teen lifeguard and swim instructor in her home state of Florida.

“I’ve always wanted to do something close to my heart,” she said. “I was drawn to pediatric dentistry not only because I enjoy working with children, but also because I want to serve patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. That interest began when I taught swim lessons to children and adults with special needs, and it’s continued to shape my path in dentistry.”

Marley finds fulfillment in the challenges of pediatric dentistry—especially in working with both children and their parents. 

“I have the patience and compassion to help kids feel comfortable, even if it takes time,” she said. “It's about being a role model and helping them build trust early, because that impact can last a lifetime—not just in dental health, but in everything they do.”

Maloney’s journey to dentistry was equally personal. His own childhood experience with dental anxiety opened his eyes to the difference a compassionate provider can make.

“I still remember how impactful it was when we finally found a dentist who took the time to work with me,” said Maloney. “That experience made me realize I wanted to help others—especially those with similar fears—feel comfortable and cared for in the dental chair.”

He first heard of the NHSC scholarship program through a mentor who was a participant in the program. He had his first experience serving an underserved community a short time later while volunteering during a Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic, pop-up clinics that deliver free, quality dental, vision and medical care to those in need. 

“It was the first time I saw what it means to live in a dental health professional shortage area,” said Maloney, who earned his undergraduate degree at  Southern Virginia University. 

“Some people hadn’t seen a dentist since the last clinic. They needed fillings, extractions, root canals—everything. Between hearing about the program from my mentor and seeing what the need was, I was really motivated to serve communities in need and apply for the scholarship.”

Under the NHSC program, recipients commit to at least one year of service for every year of support, up to four years. Marley received a full four-year scholarship; Maloney received a three-year award.

Maloney says his experience providing clinical care at VCU School of Dentistry was an amazing learning experience and further fueled his passion for  providing care in a public health setting.

“ Seeing my patients having to decide between their car payment and their tooth that's hurting them was really eye opening,” he said.

Marley and Maloney’s experiences at VCU School of Dentistry have deepened their commitment to public health dentistry.

VCU School of Dentistry requires fourth-year dental students and senior dental hygiene students to work in underserved communities throughout the state through its Service Learning Program. Dental students travel to 15 external rotation sites across the state where they gain valuable skills and a glimpse into the critical need for oral health services within underserved patient populations.

“Working alongside my classmates, seeing patient after patient—sometimes even skipping lunch to continue to provide care—was incredibly rewarding because the patients were so appreciative,” said Marley. “Being selected for this scholarship is truly exciting. I always knew this was the path I wanted, but getting real clinical experience reaffirmed my passion for providing care where it’s needed most.”

According to the Health Resources & Services Administration, approximately 60 million people live within more than 7,000 HPSAs in the U.S. The department says more than 10,000 practitioners are needed in those areas.  

Seeing the high demand for care during external rotations reaffirmed Maloney’s patient-first approach. 

“It doesn't matter how many patients you see, there’s always going to be another one,” he said. “So, my goal as a practitioner is to make a difference for the patient in front of me.”

This spring, Marley and Maloney earn their D.D.S. degrees together with the Class of 2025. 

The scholarship students can apply to NHSC-approved community health sites across the country. However, Marley and Maloney are both planning to continue their training in residency programs before heading to a community health site.

Before selecting her site for the NHSC program, Marley will be  attending the University of Illinois Chicago for a two year pediatric dentistry residency, where she will serve a diverse patient population and get comprehensive training in all aspects of oral healthcare for children, including those with special needs, and those with medical complications. 

Maloney will be headed to Charlotte, North Carolina for a one-year general practice residency program. Afterward, he hopes to work in a FQHC, comprehensive clinics that serve patients regardless of insurance and offer a range of supportive services like primary medical care and mental health counseling.

With clinical skills, passion, and the support of the NHSC, Marley and Maloney are poised to make a meaningful impact — one patient at a time.