Smalltown Dental Scholarship
Honoring Morton’s roots in dentistry and investing in the next generation
The Smalltown Dental Scholarship was established in 2024 by Dr. Peter Smidt (Morton High School ’05 Graduate) and Smalltown Dental. Dr. Smidt credits his education in the Morton schools as foundational to his path in dentistry. Smalltown Dental began in Morton with the tagline “Rooted in Community,” and that spirit guides this scholarship: helping Morton students launch caring, community-minded careers in the dental field.
How the fund began
Smalltown Dental’s first practice opened in Morton and set the tone for its commitment to serving each community where it operates. In gratitude for the educational opportunities Morton provided, Dr. Smidt and Smalltown Dental created this scholarship to support Morton students who feel called to dentistry—whether chair-side, clinical, or as future dentists—and who value giving back locally.
Why it matters
Oral health is essential to overall well-being, and communities thrive when they have skilled, compassionate dental professionals. This fund helps remove financial barriers so Morton students can pursue training in dental assisting, dental hygiene, pre-dental studies, or a dental degree (DDS/DMD)—with an emphasis on service and community connection.
Who can apply
Eligibility: Morton High School seniors who plan to pursue dental assisting, dental hygiene, pre-dental, or dental school at an accredited program.
What we look for: Clear passion and interest in the dental field.
Local service bonus: Additional consideration for applicants who express a desire to return to serve Morton and surrounding communities after training.
How to apply
Morton High School students who feel they may qualify for this scholarship can pick up an application in the Morton High School counseling office beginning in mid-February each year. Applications must be filled out and submitted to the counseling office in mid-March. You may inquire in the counseling office for specific pickup dates and deadlines each year.
Tip: In your essay, share why dentistry matters to you and, if applicable, how you hope to serve the Morton area.
To make a tax-deductible donation to this endowment fund, you can:
Donate by check: Make it payable to Morton Community Foundation and mail it to 135 S First Ave, Morton, IL 61550. Please write “Smalltown Dental” on the memo line.
Make a tax-advantaged gift of stock…Visit our stock gifting page by clicking HERE.
Give online by clicking the button below.
Are you a Caterpillar Employee or Retiree?
The Caterpillar Foundation is proud to offer the year-round Matching Gifts Program to support their employees, U.S. retirees and board of directors in their contributions to worthy causes. Eligible Caterpillar participants may request an annual total maximum 1:1 match of $10,000 USD each calendar year to eligible charities to which contributions are tax deductible. The Morton Community Foundation is an eligible charity. So, if you are an eligible Caterpillar participant, you may submit any donations to this fund for an equivalent match, up to your total maximum of $10,000 per year. CLICK HERE to link to the Caterpillar Foundation’s Matching Gift website.