SmileDirectClub – NDA Achievement Scholarship Recipients

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 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.

 
“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.”

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.

Student Dr. Aubrey Kaale

Howard University College of Dentistry, D3

James Baldwin boldly exclaims, “our crown has already been bought and paid for, all we have to do is put it on.” As an Afro-Latina, I walk boldly and humbly in my journey on a path paved by many who have come before me. For me, becoming a dentist has been as natural as my Latina roots and I am excited for the opportunity to tie these two identities together and bring diversity into a field that impacts my community so much. Thank you for this investment in my leadership and in adding diversity and inclusion to our field.
Student Dr. Jennifer Lozada

Howard University College of Dentistry, D3

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.

Student Dr. Patrice Price

Howard University College of Dentistry, D4

Guidelines

  • 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.

Application Requirement

  • Complete the application form below
  • 500-word personal statement including reason for choosing dentistry, participation in community service projects, career goals and aspirations

Notes and Reminders for Applicants:

  • 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 must be for submitted before the stated deadline.

The Application Period for 2022 is now closed.

Careers

Marquette University – Dean, School of Dentistry

Marquette University – Dean, School of Dentistry

Search for the Dean Marquette University, School of Dentistry Milwaukee, Wisconsin “Marquette University aspires to be, and to be recognized, among the most innovative and accomplished Catholic and Jesuit universities in the world, promoting the greater glory of God...

The University of Iowa – College of Dentistry

The University of Iowa – College of Dentistry

The University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry is conducting a search for a 60% – 100% clinical-track faculty member in Clinic Administration. Major responsibilities include: didactic and clinical instruction of pre-doctoral students in the College of Dentistry’s...

Flossline - Fall 2022

Recent News

NDA Responds to Racism Allegations at UIC College of Dentistry

On December 7, 2022, NDA Executive Director Keith Andrew Perry sent a letter to the Interim Dean of the University of Illinois-Chicago College of Dentistry, in response to allegations of racist statements and behavior by Dental School professors. Click here to read...