UPIKE, ARH and Delta Dental of Kentucky launch scholarship for future dentists. * Special to Appalachian Newspapers * 5 hrs ago * Comments The University of Pikeville, Appalachian Regional Healthcare and Delta Dental of Kentucky announced in a statement Aug. 6 they have partnered to create a new scholarship program that will expand educational opportunities for future dentists while strengthening Kentucky's oral health workforce. The Delta Dental of Kentucky ARH Family Scholarship provides financial assistance to eligible dependents of ARH employees who are admitted to the UPIKE Tanner College of Dental Medicine, the statement said. Funds are applied toward tuition and other approved educational expenses, with scholarship recipients eligible to reapply annually while they remain qualified for the program, the statement said. The statement said the scholarship also encourages graduates to serve communities across the commonwealth by requiring recipients to practice in Kentucky for at least one year after earning their professional license. The initiative reflects the shared commitment of UPIKE, ARH and Delta Dental of Kentucky to increase access to dental education, invest in Kentucky families and help address the state's growing need for oral health professionals, the statement said. "This scholarship removes financial barriers for talented students while creating a pathway for future dentists to serve the people of Kentucky," said TCDM Dean Jill Keaton, DMD, MS. "We are grateful to Delta Dental of Kentucky and Appalachian Regional Healthcare for investing in the next generation of oral healthcare providers." The scholarship is an example of ARH's commitment to supporting employees and their families while creating opportunities that have a lasting impact on the communities it serves." "At ARH, we believe investing in our employees also means investing in their families and in the future of the communities they call home," said ARH President and CEO Hollie Harris. "We are proud to help create opportunities for the spouses and dependents of our employees to pursue careers in dentistry. This scholarship is another way we can support the people who make our ARH mission possible while helping create a healthier future for Kentucky." Through the scholarship, the statement said, Delta Dental of Kentucky is investing in the education of future dental professionals at TCDM while supporting ARH employees and their families. "Delta Dental of Kentucky is excited to partner with ARH to help make dental education more accessible for students pursuing their dreams at the University of Pikeville's Tanner College of Dental Medicine," said Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer for Delta Dental of Kentucky Brian Hart. "We believe this investment will create lasting benefits for Eastern Kentucky by encouraging more future dentists to serve the region and address critical oral healthcare needs."

ARH expands diabetes care team with new educator. * Special to Appalachian Newspapers * Aug 13, 2026 * Comments Appalachian Regional Healthcare announced in a statement Aug. 5 that Tiffany Dixon, RN, LDE, has been named its new diabetes educator. Dixon, the statement said, has worn many hats at ARH. She started as a receptionist. Then she became a medical assistant. Now she is a Registered Nurse and a Licensed Diabetes Educator. Her path was not always simple, but every step shaped who she is today, the statement said. Dixon did not always know that diabetes education was even a career. That changed once she became a nurse and began working in Endocrinology. "That's where I discovered the true world of diabetes and its complexity," she said. The statement said Dixon's passion for diabetes education is deeply personal. Her aunt, who helped raise her, passed away from complications of type 2 diabetes while Dixon was still in nursing school. "Losing her was extremely hard for me because she was a mother to me," she said. "I wish I had known more about diabetes and how to help care for her." That loss, combined with her growing knowledge of endocrinology, set her on a new course. "I knew Diabetes Education was my calling," she said. "I want to help individuals and their families understand the disease, help develop skills needed to manage it, and feel supported throughout their journey." Becoming a nurse was not easy, the statement said. Dixon worked full time as a medical assistant while taking night classes to earn her nursing degree. She was also raising two young children at the time. "I somehow never missed a game" of her son's, she said, even while balancing school, work and family. Her journey included real hardship. She lost her aunt and later went into preterm labor at 24 weeks while finishing school. She kept going anyway. "I was not going to quit," she said. Dixon graduated from nursing school in June and welcomed her daughter that October, just before her 30th birthday. "I give complete credit to God for everything," she said. "He carried me through it." Dixon believes every patient deserves to feel welcomed and valued the moment they walk through the door. "Every person is different, but everyone deserves compassion," she said. The statement said Dixon often finds that patients think they already understand their diabetes, only to be surprised by how much they learn in a single visit. "They are shocked by all the new information they learned from just one session," she said. For patients who are newly diagnosed and those who have lived with diabetes for years, the statement said, Dixon's approach is the same at its core: Listen first. "I want to recognize what knowledge and experience they already have, identify their current needs, and work with them to develop new solutions," she explained. One of the biggest struggles she sees is something called "diabetes burnout", when the daily demands of monitoring blood sugar, taking medication, and making food choices simply wear a person down. "The goal is to help reduce burnout by renewing their sense of hope," she said, "and building confidence by recognizing progress." Dixon's main office is in Paintsville, but her work takes her across the region. She sees patients in both Paintsville and Hazard, in person and virtually. She also helps lead 11 different Diabetes Support Groups held once a month, including a brand new group in Magoffin County that she leads herself. Community events, Dixon said, are one of her favorite parts of the job. "I get to go out and meet new people and learn the barriers people face in other communities," she said, "and see how we can help overconme these barriers." Dixon said she hopes providers will lean on diabetes educators more often. "Providers don't always have enough time during their appointments to address every concern," she said. "When providers and diabetes educators work together, patients receive more supportive, compassionate care." "I've had the opportunity to see Tiffany's heart for serving others, and I know she'll make a tremendous impact on the lives of our patients," said ARH System Diabetes Education Coordinator Ashley Webb. "She understands that diabetes education is about much more than numbers. It's about empowering people with the knowledge, confidence, and support they need to live healthier lives. We're thrilled to have her join our team." Webb commented that, "Every new team member allows us to extend our reach, strengthen our programs, and ensure more people have access to the education and support they deserve." Outside of work, Dixon relies on her husband Adam, a police officer in Prestonsburg, and their children, Connor, Addisyn, Cali and stepson Joshua. The family also shares their home with a cat named Loki and a dog named Ares. "I wanted to be someone my kids would be proud of," she said. "Everything I do and have done is for them." For anyone considering a similar path, Dixon has simple advice: Find a mentor, ask questions, and never let self-doubt win. "Don't ever think you can't do something you are passionate about," she said. "I never thought I would be anything more than a single mom at 19. I never thought college was an option for me until I took a leap of faith and gave it everything I had, every tear, every late night. It wasn't easy, but I was worth it." Today, the statement said, Dixon continues that same leap of faith every day, one patient, one family, and one community at a time. Newsletters. Headlines. Would like to receive its headline alerts? Signup today!