The National Dental Association (NDA) and The SmileDirectClub (SDC) have embarked on a new 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 and 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.
The SDC-NDA Achievement Scholarship has lightened my financial burden which has allowed me to focus more on the most important aspect of Dental school, learning. This generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to my community.
Although minorities have made significant contributions to healthcare we are still faced with opposition. Scholarships such as those sponsored by Smile Direct Club and the National Dental Association help us break down these barriers so we can continue to climb the mountain of success.
