About the Dr. Mike McIlwain Scholarship
In 2025, Dr. Mike McIlwain passed away after a year-long battle with a rare form of cancer. For more than 20 years, he served patients at McIlwain Dental Specialists as a pediatric dentist, leaving a lasting impact on countless families throughout the Tampa community.
Dr. Mike was known for more than his clinical skill; he was known for his compassion. He was one of the few pediatric dentists in the area who regularly treated special needs patients, performed sedation both in-office and at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and contributed his expertise as a member of the Tampa Bay Cleft and Craniofacial Center.
More than anything, he believed in one principle: never turn away a patient in need.
To honor that legacy, McIlwain Dental Specialists established the Dr. Mike McIlwain Scholarship, an annual $5,000 award designed to support patients facing financial challenges and help them move forward in meaningful ways.
Scholarship Overview
The Dr. Mike McIlwain Scholarship provides annually one selected recipient $5,000 based on financial need and personal impact. This scholarship is intentionally flexible. It is not limited to traditional academic use and may be applied toward a variety of needs, including but not limited to:
· Educational expenses (tuition, books, certifications)
· Career or professional development opportunities
· Personal or family-related financial hardships
· Athletic/Extracurricular Activities
· Other meaningful needs that support the applicant’s future
The goal is simple: to help where help is needed.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
· Be a current or former patient of McIlwain Dental Specialists
· Have been an active patient for at least one year
· Be 15 years of age or older
· Clearly explain how the funds will be used
Note: Additional documentation to verify academic achievements and other information may be requested during the review process.
Application Process
Applicants will be asked to submit:
· A written statement that explains:
· Their current situation
· What the scholarship would go toward
· How this scholarship would make a meaningful difference
· Any additional information that may help the committee better understand you, and why you should be the recipient of the Dr. Mike Mcilwain Scholarship.
The application is designed to be simple and accessible, in line with Dr. Mike’s belief in helping others without unnecessary barriers.
Selection Process
After the applications close, recipients are selected by an anonymous committee composed of doctors and team members of McIlwain Dental Specialists. Additional information may be requested to better understand the applicant’s situation and decide the best recipient of the Dr. Mike Mcilwain Scholarship.
Applications are evaluated based on:
· Strength, honesty, and clarity of the applicant’s story
· The potential impact of the scholarship
Our Commitment
This scholarship represents more than financial support, it is a continuation of Dr. Mike’s work and values.
Through this annual award, we aim to:
· Support patients beyond the dental office
· Strengthen our community
· Carry forward a legacy of compassion, generosity, and service
Timeline
Applications open: April 5th, 2026
Deadline: June 6th, 2026
All applicants will be informed of their decision within 2 months of the deadline. The information may come through an email and/or a phone call.
Questions
If you have any questions regarding the Dr. Mike Mcilwain Scholarship, please reach out to our Marketing Coordinator, Grayson McIlwain, at grayson@mcilwaindentistry.com, or (813) 991 – 9893 ext. 216.
