02 July 2026

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Bankes earns AGD scholarship

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The Academy of General Dentistry recently awarded Mackenzie “Kenzie” Bankes, a rising fourth-year dental student at Texas A&M College of Dentistry, the Dr.

University update

The scholarship is awarded to an AGD member who is a recent dental school graduate, current resident or enrolled dental student and someone who exemplifies the spirit of lifelong learning and professional dedication that the AGD champions, a press release stated.

Bankes, an Abilene Christian University alumnus, also was honored with the Outstanding Professionalism Award at A&M Dentistry recently.

“Mackenzie embodies everything this scholarship is meant to celebrate,” said Dr. Chethan Chetty, AGD past president. “Her dedication to underserved communities, her tireless involvement in student organizations and her long-term commitment to the AGD make her an exceptional choice. “

Why it matters

Bankes is honored not just for her academic record but her concern for others. She volunteered on dental mission trips both locally and internationally, providing free care including cleanings, fillings and extractions to communities that might otherwise go without. She also serves as the dental student member of A&M Dentistry’s Alumni Association Board and is involved with the Texas Association of Women Dentists, the Student Wellness Committee, the Hispanic Student Dentists Association and LIGHT, where she has held officer roles and contributed to membership coordination, financial management and service event planning.

Bankes joined the AGD as a first-year dental student, the press release stated. She remains engaged through meetings, continuing education courses and her current role on the executive team of her student AGD chapter.

Bankes plans to earn both her AGD Fellowship and Mastership after graduation, the press release stated.

“AGD has been a part of my dental school journey since day one, and being able to attend the scientific session is an experience I know will shape the kind of dentist and leader I want to be,” she stated in the press release.

Academic context

The AGD scientific session will bring together thousands of general dentists for continuing education, hands-on workshops and networking with colleagues nationwide.

Source: https://insights.dentistry.tamu.edu/bankes-earns-agd-scholarship