Grants for Dental School
Last Updated on January 25, 2024 by Lori Pace
Aspiring dentists need grants to cover the costs of their studies – so we take a look at the Grants for Dental School available for aspiring students. Dental hygienists, dentists, and dental assistants all are in high demand.
These career paths are lucrative and can help you live a happier and healthier life. It comes with higher education costs. There are many grant opportunities available for students who want to pursue a career as a dentist. You may use these grants to pay for dental education and help you get a rewarding career as a dentist.
Grants for Dental School – Attending and Paying for Dental Education
It is costly to attend a dental school. The cost of a four-year dental degree at a private school in the United States can exceed $400,000, this includes tuition, room, medical equipment, and other expenses. But the return on your investment is worthwhile. Dentistry is a career that many people are considering.
Two professional dental degrees exist Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), and Doctor of Dental Surgery(DDS). Around 25% of dentists practice in one of these recognized specialties:
- Dental Public Health
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology/Radiology
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
- Endodontics
- Periodontics
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Prosthodontics
Many students enroll in graduate programs. Therefore, it is a good idea to visit the financial aid office at the dental school. It is possible to determine if the school offers grants or scholarships. You can also find out the eligibility criteria and the details of the application process.
Grants for Dental School – Federal and State Government Grants
The healthcare system is dependent on dentists. They are key to the well-being and health of patients. Because of their increasing demand, both the federal and state governments provide grants to dental school students who are interested in this profession.
Federal Pell Grants may be available to students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program. First, a student must file the FAFSA. It is important to note that the Pell Grant is not available for undergraduate students. The amount of the grant depends on expected family contribution, cost of attendance (COA), enrollment status and whether or not the student is attending full academic year.
The U.S. Department of Education offers loan programs including Dual PLUS Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Schools that participate in these programs can access these programs but they’ll have their own terms.
The federal Health Resources and Services Administration, (HRSA). Dental education institutions are eligible for grants to improve their clinical predoctoral dentistry. These grants are intended to help children aged 0-5 receive dental hygiene training in order to improve their oral health. Most of the targeted population are rural, vulnerable and under-served children.
Grants for Dental School at National Dental Associations
Different types of dentists have different interests represented by various national dental associations. These associations offer scholarships and grants for dental school.
America’s Pediatric Dentists (AAPD)
AAPD’s mission is to improve the oral health of children. These scholarships and grants are available for research as well as to promote standards of care and education in dentistry.
A Master Clinician Scholarship can be awarded to dentists who are innovative in their academic careers. Children can receive grants to help provide dental care for underserved children. For more information, visit this page.
American Dental Association (ADA)
The ADA is an organization that offers a wide range of services to the dental profession. The ADA Foundation offers grants and scholarships.
Dental students can apply for scholarships from the Foundation. All applicants must demonstrate high academic achievement. All students who are U.S. citizens and permanent residents can apply for the program. The recipient must be a full-time student in their second or third year of studies. For more information, visit this page.
American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
The ADEA is the American Dental Association and they offer dental school scholarships and other helpful resources to help dental schools establish the best school curriculum practices.
Students who are interested in becoming dental hygiene educators will be eligible for a $3,000 scholarship. Predoctoral students who choose to pursue an academic career are eligible for a $5,500 scholarship. Students are required to complete an online application. For more information, visit this page.
American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA)
ADHA is the national association of dental hygienists. It works to promote research and education and advances the profession. Dental school scholarships and grants can be awarded to members of ADHA.
Students from the United States enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene can apply for the Institute for Oral Health Scholarship Program. They can receive a $1,000 one-time award. For more information, visit this page.
Conclusion
Students who are interested in a career as a dentist have many financial aid options. Dentistry is in high demand and students have the opportunity to make this work for themselves by receiving much-needed grants for dental school. Make sure you research all options and submit your application on time.
