Dentistry is an exciting career path, filled with exciting possibilities brought about by several technological advancements in dental health. But the route to becoming a dentist is long and rigorous, and the college costs can be unaffordable. If you are looking for a way to get some financial assistance to cover the high cost of tuition, you’ll be glad to know there are several scholarships that are available for dentistry students.
Several different entities sponsor these dental scholarships, including professional dental associations, Federal and state governments, and various educational institutions across the country.
American Dental Association
Amount: $5,000; $20,000
Deadline: April 3, 2020
The American Dental Association goes all out to support deserving students, offering multiple scholarships through various channels. The amount they award students each year adds up to over $2,000,000.
The Dr. David Whiston Leadership Program sponsored by the ADA awards 2 scholarships of $5,000 each to dental students or residents who have shown initiative in launching efforts directed at improving the oral health of the public. You cannot apply for this scholarship directly. A recognized authority in the field must nominate you.
The Dental Student Scholarship Program offers qualifying dental students a total of seven scholarships, each valued at $20,000. Applicants must be academically strong and demonstrate outstanding potential in public service, research, community service or leadership.
The above are just two of many scholarships sponsored by the American Dental Association.
CAMS Scholarship Program
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: March 31, 2020
The Chinese American Medical Society funds the CAMS Scholarship Program. All Chinese-American first, second, and third-year medical or dental students are eligible to apply for this award. Recipients are selected based on their academic performance as well as financial need. All applications must be accompanied by three recommendation letters, one from the Dean of Students.
University of Kentucky College of Dentistry Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
Students enrolled in the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry have more than 12 scholarships they can apply to.
First-year dental students with consistently strong academic performances may qualify to apply for the $500 to $1000 Dean’s Scholarship.
First-year students from minority ethnic backgrounds may be eligible for the Scholarship for Underrepresented Minorities. The award amount varies depending on merit and demonstrated financial need.
The second-year dental students who rank in the top 29% of their class, may qualify to apply for the Dorothy Cavins Scholarship, provided they can demonstrate financial need.
These are just three of the 12 scholarships offered by the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry.
University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine also offers substantial awards for their attending students through several different programs.
Currently enrolled African-American students are eligible to apply to the Herbert Lehman Scholarship. The award amounts vary, depending on academic merit and commitment to community service.
Enrolled students who have completed at least one year at the university may apply for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Scholarship. Successful applicants receive between $500 to $2000 based on academic merit.
ADEA / GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Preventive Dentistry Scholarships
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: TBD for 2021
The American Dental Education Association offers 12 qualifying pre-doctoral dental students $2,500 each through the ADEA / GlaxoSmithKline Scholarships program. Applicants must have a strong academic record and demonstrate a commitment to preventive dentistry.The dean of your school must nominate you for this scholarship.
And when scholarships aren’t enough, use College Raptor’s new Student Loan Finder to compare lenders and interest rates to find the ideal student loan!
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
6.98%-15.04%* Variable
5.99%-14.00%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
6.37% - 16.70% Variable
4.50% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.98% - 16.85% Variable
4.07% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.07% - 11.31% Variable
4.39% - 10.39% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
6.24% - 15.85% Variable
4.29% - 15.76% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
6.54% - 11.08% Variable
3.95% - 8.01% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 18.26% Variable
4.11% - 15.90% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
|
|
4.98% - 12.79% Variable
8.42% - 13.01% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
