Program Will Continue To Address Oral Health Inequality and Transform the Face of the Dental Profession
Bowie, MD., August 23, 2022– Today, the National Dental Association (NDA), the world’s largest and oldest organization of minority oral health professionals, and SmileDirectClub (SDC), the next generation oral care company with the first medtech platform for teeth straightening, announce the second installment of the SmileDirectClub-National Dental Association Achievement Scholarship.
“The National Dental Association is pleased to once again partner with SmileDirectClub to offer a scholarship program for dental students that will alleviate their student debt burden. Eliminating some financial stressors will empower dental students and professionals and open doors of possibilities for career advancement in the dental industry,” said Dr. Cheryl Lee, President of the National Dental Association. “This partnership helps further the NDA’s goal to improve and promote diversity within the oral health care field, and ultimately improve health equity for all.”
Scholarship Description:
The National Dental Association (NDA) and SmileDirectClub (SDC) are in partnership to increase the number of underrepresented minorities in dentistry and dismantle barriers to health equity. There is a critical shortage of ethnic minority dentists in the US, where less than 4% are African American. SDC will award 28 Student National Dental Association members with a one-time $7,500 scholarship. Eligible applicants must be 2nd, 3rd or 4th year dental students or post-graduate Public Health students. All candidates must demonstrate financial need and a commitment to community service.
Together, we share a common ideology. Health is a matter of civil rights and social justice. Reducing the education debt burden for oral health professional students will allow them to serve in communities where they are needed most.
Today’s students are the hope for tomorrow.
- Financial need will be the primary criteria
- Merit: good standing with their institution as defined by the school. Must be enrolled when the scholarship will be distributed.
- Demonstrated community involvement with NDA or SNDA
- Two recommendation letters: one from financial officer and faculty/clinical director. (Stating that they have greater need than others.)
- D2, D3 and D4 students or post-graduate Public Health students. Only eligible to receive a onetime award.
- Complete the application form below
- 500-word personal statement including reason for choosing dentistry, participation in community service projects, career goals and aspirations
- Awards will be mailed directly to your institution on your behalf
- There are two (2) Post Graduate Awards available
- Documents must be submitted in PDF or JPG format
- Deadline for submission is September 26, 2022, at 11:59pm EST
“As part of our mission to ensure each and every person has access to a smile that they love, SmileDirectClub is excited to once again partner with the NDA on a scholarship program to help underrepresented dental practitioners and underserved communities of color,” said John Sheldon, Chief Marketing Officer, SmileDirectClub. “We are proud to support the education and representation of the next generation of dental practitioners as they embark on our shared mission to close the access gap and create healthier smiles.”
“As part of our mission to ensure each and every person has access to a smile that they love, SmileDirectClub is excited to once again partner with the NDA on a scholarship program to help underrepresented dental practitioners and underserved communities of color,” said John Sheldon, Chief Marketing Officer, SmileDirectClub. “We are proud to support the education and representation of the next generation of dental practitioners as they embark on our shared mission to close the access gap and create healthier smiles.”
Apply online here. Deadline for submission September 26, 2022, at 11:59pm EST
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About the NDA: The National Dental Association promotes oral health equity among people of color by harnessing the collective power of its members, advocating for the needs of and mentoring dental students of color, and raising the profile of the profession in our communities.
About SmileDirectClub: SmileDirectClub, Inc. (Nasdaq: SDC) (“SmileDirectClub”) is an oral care company and creator of the first medtech platform for teeth straightening. Through its cutting-edge telehealth technology and vertically integrated model, SmileDirectClub is revolutionizing the oral care industry. SmileDirectClub’s mission is to democratize access to a smile each and every person loves by making it affordable and convenient for everyone. SmileDirectClub is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. For more information, please visit SmileDirectClub.com.
