Grants for Dental School
Grants for dental school help aspiring dentists offset the costs of their education. Dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants are always in demand.
These solid career paths offer lucrative employment opportunities and help people live healthier and happier lives.
However, it comes with higher education costs. Fortunately, there are various grant opportunities for students pursuing a career in dentistry.
These grants help cover the cost of dental education while paving the way to a rewarding career in dentistry.
Grants for Dental School – Attending and Paying for Dental Education
Attending dental school is expensive. A private dental school offers a four-year degree in the United States that can cost more than $400,000 for tuition, room, medical instruments, and other items.
However, the return on investment is worth it. Therefore, most people consider dentistry as a future career.
There are two professional dental degrees: a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS).
Some practicing dentists specialize in one of the following recognized dental specialties.
- Dental Public Health
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology/Radiology
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
- Endodontics
- Periodontics
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Prosthodontics
Many students enter graduate programs; therefore, it is recommended that they visit the dental school’s financial aid office.
From there, it is possible to determine if the dental school offers scholarships or grants. Also, one can get to know the detailed criteria regarding the application and eligibility process.
Grants for Dental School – Federal and State Government Grants
Dentists play a vital role in the healthcare system. They have been recognized as key components for maintaining patients’ good health and well-being.
Due to their ever-growing demand, the federal and state governments offer grants for dental school to students interested in the profession.
However, knowing that the Pell Grant is only for undergraduate students is important. The grant amount received depends on Expected Family Contribution, Cost of Attendance (COA), enrollment status, and attending a full academic year.
The U.S. Department of Education provides loan programs, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans.
These programs are available at schools that participate in them. However, they have their terms.
The federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awards grants to dental education institutions to enhance clinical predoctoral dental education.
Such grants focus on broader issues, including improving dental education and providing oral health services to underserved populations. The targeted population consists mainly of underserved, vulnerable, and rural pediatrics.
Grants for Dental Schools at National Dental Associations
Various national dental associations represent the interests of different types of dentists. They offer access to grants and scholarships for attending dental school.
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America’s Pediatric Dentists (AAPD)
The mission of AAPD is to advance the oral health of all children. Grants and scholarships are offered for research, advocacy of standards of care, and dental education.
The Master Clinician Scholarship supports dentists pursuing innovative academic careers. Grants are available to provide dental care and serve as a Dental Home for underserved children. For more information, visit https://www.aapd.org/
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American Dental Association (ADA)
The ADA is an organization that promotes the profession of dentistry in various ways. The ADA Foundation offers scholarships and grants.
The Foundation awards dental school scholarships to dental students. Interested applicants must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The program is available to all students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. A recipient must be a full-time student registered in the second or third year of study.
For more information, visit https://www.adafoundation.org/
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American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
The ADEA represents academic dentistry in the United States. The best practices for the school curriculum are set where dental school scholarships and other useful resources are offered.
Scholarships worth $3,000 each are awarded to students who aspire to become dental hygiene educators.
The other scholarship of $5,500 is given to predoctoral students opting for an academic career. The students are required to submit an online application along with other details.
For more information, visit https://www.adea.org/about_adea/Pages/default.aspx
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American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA)
The ADHA is the national organization of dental hygienists, working to advance the profession and promote research and education. The members of ADHA can receive dental school grants and scholarships.
The U.S. students enrolled in a bachelor’s dental hygiene program can participate in the Institute for Oral Health Scholarship Program and can receive a one-time award of $1,000. For more information, visit https://www.adha.org/
Conclusion
There are numerous financial aid options for students pursuing a career in dentistry.
The dentistry profession is always in high demand, and students can make that demand work for them in the form of much-needed grants for dental school.
Research all the available options and apply on time!
See Also
Student Loan Forgiveness for Healthcare Workers
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