Pursuing a career in dentistry requires significant financial investment. Before committing to borrowing more loans for school, dental students should consider applying for scholarships. These are funds that will not need to be repaid after dental school.

3 Tips for Scholarship Applications:

  1. Don’t wait until the last minute. Starting early gives you more time to thoughtfully showcase your experiences and reasons for applying to a scholarship or grant program. Be sure to give yourself enough time to collect all materials needed for the application.
  2. Tell your story. Scholarship review committees look for more than what’s on your CV. Use your application materials to share the experiences that have shaped you and your “why.”
  3. Align with the scholarship mission. Each scholarship program has a unique purpose for awarding student aid. Highlight your experiences and achievements that align with the program’s mission and ensure you meet eligibility criteria.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of scholarships available to dental students. Members are encouraged to do their own research for additional opportunities.

Questions? Email Membership@ASDAnet.org.

National Health Service Corps Scholarship
The National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program (NHSC SP) awards scholarships to students pursuing eligible primary care health professions training. In return, scholars commit to provide primary care health services in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).

Health Profession Scholarship Program (HPSP)
Three branches of the U.S. military offer a Health Profession Scholarship, with varying qualifications and requirements. These programs require recipients to join the Reserves or serve time in active duty.

Review the programs’ benefits and requirements on each branch’s site: U.S. NavyArmy, or Air Force

ADEA Scholarships, Awards and Fellowships for Students
Amount: Multiple scholarships available
Deadline: To be announced

Hispanic Dental Association Foundation Scholarships
Who: Open to student members of the Hispanic Dental Association and the Hispanic Student Dental Association who have been accepted or are currently enrolled into an accredited dental program.
Amount: $2,500 to $8,000
Deadline: July 1, 2026

Chinese American Medical Society Scholarships, Livia Wan, MD Award of the FCMS Foundation
Who: Must be a CAMS Student member and a first-, second- or third-year dental student.
Amount: $20,000
Deadline: September 30, 2026 

The Horace Wells Club Scholarship
Who: Dental students in good academic standing and residents of Connecticut (for two years).
Amount: Variable
Deadline: To be announced

National Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship
Who: Any student currently enrolled in an accredited dental school, with exceptional academic performance and documented leadership activities. Applicants must demonstrate an affinity for the health of Hispanic communities and an interest in participating in NHHF Scholars Alumni activities
Amount: 15-20 awards of varying amounts
Deadline: To be announced

Dental Trade Alliance Foundation Scholarships
Who: Must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. dental school as full-time student, be in good academic standing, demonstrate financial need and have a strong interest in charitable work and community service. Dental school deans may nominate one student per school (individually submitted applications not accepted).
Amount: $5,000 - $25,000 
Deadline: Closed for 2026. 2027 scholarships will open for application in late 2026. 

Hartford Dental Society/James McManus Fund: Student Scholarships
The Hispanic Dental Association Foundation is committed to supporting students through the educational process by awarding grants and scholarships to individuals. Applicants should show commitment and dedication in improving and serving the oral health of the Hispanic community.
Who:
 Dental students who reside in Connecticut, are in their third or fourth year at a New England dental school, and who are in academic good standing are eligible to apply.
Amount: Multiple scholarships available
Deadline: 2026 applications closed

ICD-WUDAA Scholarship Program
Who: The ICD-WUDAA Scholarship Program offers annual scholarships to dental students. Dental student candidates shall demonstrate financial need and be in good standing at a USA dental school approved by ADA/CODA. International students are eligible.
Amount: $2,500 (multiple scholarships available)
Deadline: 2026 applications closed

Note: ASDA is not responsible for the availability or content of the sites it links to, nor does ASDA endorse, warrant or guarantee the products, services or information described or offered at these other sites. The information contained above should be considered a summary; complete details and eligibility requirements can be found by clicking on the program name.

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