Exclusive Dental School Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines in 2024

About Dental School Scholarships

Students interested in dentistry after earning a bachelor's degree will find themselves applying to dental school for a few more years of schooling before entering the field. After four years as an undergraduate, it takes most dental students about four more years to earn a DDS or DMD in dental school.

Even before entering dental school, applicants are faced with costs such as school application fees and admission test fees. Dental schools don't require prospective dental students to have graduated from a specific degree program, but students will have been expected to complete prerequisite undergraduate courses in the sciences and must take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT).

With the rising cost of higher education, students pursuing an accredited dental program are looking toward options to decrease the amount of money needed to pay for school. The cost of private dental school tuition can be as high as $76,000 per year and following dental school, students may choose to do a residency to earn a specialty in one of the 12 dental specialties in the field.

Private loans and federal loans are options to fund your studies. However, there are plenty of options to find funds that you won't need to pay back, such as dental school scholarships. The costs of attending dental school should not be a barrier for any student seeking a dental education, and scholarship programs are working toward making higher education such as dental school accessible for all.

Are There Scholarships for Dental School?

Luckily, there are many dental school scholarships available. Both need-based and merit scholarships are available to prospective and current dental students. There are many notable federal scholarship programs, and several dental organizations and associations, such as the Hispanic Dental Association (HSDA) and the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), offer dental scholarships.

Student members in the Hispanic Student Dental Association are eligible for scholarships through membership with the dental association. The American Dental Education Association rewards students with scholarships from $1,500 to $5,500.

Fortunately, Bold.org has exclusive scholarships for students attending university, helping take some of that financial burden off their shoulders. New scholarships are added every day, supplying various scholarship opportunities for dental school students.

What Is a Dental School Scholarship?

A dental school scholarship will vary by school or scholarship program and is awarded to predoctoral dental students pursuing degrees in dentistry. Students in an accredited medical dentistry program, dental school, etc. are qualified for these scholarships, which do not need to be paid back. Full-time students who demonstrate academic excellence are eligible for financial aid and must maintain any academic requirements if the scholarship requires it.

How to Get Scholarships for Dental School

Applying for Dental School Scholarships

Once you've found a scholarship for dental students that you'd like to apply for, you can create a free account on Bold.org and get started. Scholarships may be categorized by education level, major, and/or location, so be sure to adjust the filters as needed. In addition to your Bold.org profile, some scholarships will require an essay prompt or other submission as part of the application.

How to Get a Dental School Scholarship

The scholarship application process will differ based on the scholarship program, with some scholarship programs requiring transcripts or test scores to see that the applicant is in good academic standing, or perhaps provide a written sample. Some scholarships might want students to demonstrate their knowledge of dental health with an essay prompt.

Before you begin the application process, be sure to read all of the eligibility requirements first, as there are scholarship available to a wide variety of students. One dental school scholarship may have very narrow eligibility requirements, like a scholarship for dental hygiene students who want to transfer to an accredited dental school, while another might be for dental students planning to join the Hispanic Dental Association.

Finally, as with any other scholarship program, it is important to get started on the scholarship application process early on so that you can gather any necessary materials, like transcripts or letters of recommendation, and get started on any writing required for the application.

Best Dental School Scholarships & Resources

National Dental Association Foundation (NDAF)

Purpose: The NDAF is the charitable arm of the National Dental Association (NDA), focusing on supporting underrepresented minorities in dentistry. It aims to improve the oral health of underserved communities and promote diversity within the dental profession.

Activities: NDAF provides scholarships, grants, and mentorship programs for minority dental students and professionals. It also supports community outreach programs to improve access to dental care in underserved areas.

Bold.org Dental School Scholarships

Undergraduate or graduate students pursuing degrees in health professions, particularly those aiming to become graduate students in dental programs, often seek scholarships from organizations, dental school deans, and state aid for dental school to support their education.

Here at Bold.org, we offer thousands of scholarships for dental school students to apply for that are exclusive to our platform. Check out the scholarship opportunities below.

1. Undergraduate Scholarships
2. Scholarships for College Freshmen
3. Scholarships for College Sophomores
4. Scholarships for College Juniors
5. Scholarships for College Seniors
6. Scholarships for Community College
7. Scholarships for College Students
8. Scholarships for Graduate Students
9. PhD Scholarships
10. Master's Degree Scholarships

American Student Dental Association (ASDA)

Purpose: ASDA represents dental students in the United States, advocating for their rights and interests. It provides resources, education, and support to help dental students succeed in their education and future careers.

Activities: The organization hosts events, offers career guidance, provides information on dental legislation and policies, and fosters a community among dental students nationwide.

American Dental Education Association (ADEA)

Purpose: ADEA is an organization for dental education professionals, including faculty, administrators, and students involved in dental and allied dental education. It focuses on the development and support of dental education programs and educators.

Activities: ADEA provides professional development opportunities, research, policy analysis, and advocacy to improve dental education. It also offers resources and guidance for those interested in dental careers and supports innovations in dental education.

If you're interested in dental assisting, dental schooling, or primary care health services, check out our Scholarship Blog to find more resources to help you make informed decisions!