State: Many states have scholarships for students who practice in underserved areas. Visit
www.nhsc.hrsa.gov/communities to research opportunities. State dental associations may also have scholarships available.
The American Dental Association has a listing of dental associations, each of which may have information about scholarship opportunities in its state:
www.ada.org/ada/organizations/searchcons1.asp. (
this link doesnt work)
Institution: Some dental schools offer scholarships, depending upon the schools financial resources. These scholarships are often based on merit or financial need. You should check with the FAO for availability.
(
some schools do. nyu gives up to 20 grand. im not sure what the max is for other places, but i don't think its super common or even something to be relied on
Federal: The Scholarship for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) is for students from a disadvantaged background as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). See page 51 for definition. Funds are awarded to eligible dental schools by HHS. Schools are responsible for selecting recipients, making reasonable determinations of need and disadvantaged status, and making awards. You should contact the FAO for the availability of this award and any special application procedures.
seems like its only resevered for the very poor
Private: Finding outside scholarships requires research and initiative. Businesses, civic organizations, fraternities or sororities, associations, and other groups may have scholarship opportunities available. Some useful websites include
www.fastweb.com and
www.finaid.org. There are additional resources at the end of this chapter to help get you started, and dont forget to also check with the FAO at your school for scholarship ideas.
these tend to barely make a dent in the cost, at least based on what i've seen http://www.collegescholarships.org/scholarships/dental.htm
Service Commitment: There are service commitment programs from the federal government available for students in the health professions. Acceptance into one of these programs requires that you commit to a period of a service in exchange for the federal government covering the costs of your education.
thats up to you if you want to make a commitment
Work-Study: Some schools may have work-study opportunities for students with financial need. Students work for the dental school on or off campus through this program. Because of the rigorous academic demands of dental school,
many institutions do not participate in this program, and those who do only make awards to students who request them. If you are interested in exploring this opportunity, contact your FAO.