How to Get Scholarships for Dental Hygiene Degrees

Going to school for a degree is the beginning of a new phase in a student’s life. It can be an exciting and nerve wracking time. It can also be expensive. Although job prospects are excellent once the program is completed, it is often difficult for students to pay for the tuition and associated fees. Financial aid will help and is a pre-requisite for other funding options. However, it often does not cover the entire amount needed. Luckily, there are several groups and associations that offer scholarships for dental hygiene degrees. One of the first places to begin your search is with the schools that you are applying to. They often have alumni funds that are focused on students with financial need.

It is not uncommon for there to be several different qualifications for eligibility to be met and applications accepted. If your high school transcripts reflect good grades, then you may qualify for merit-based scholarships. Dental Hygiene schools often send information about the options available in your acceptance package. Although any financial help will be useful, these are usually for small dollar amounts. There is no limit to the number of scholarships that you can apply for, so fill out the necessary paperwork for these applications and continue your search. There are many states that offer scholarships for students attending in their state. Talk with the financial aid departments at the schools you are considering, or check with the state’s Department of Education for more information.

The American Dental Association (ADA) Endowment and Assistance Fund has a program for dental professionals. This includes dentists, dental hygiene, dental lab technicians and assistants. There are many ADA Foundation scholarships available each year. Some are general, based on the industry and others are awarded for specialty programs. They are not just used for tuition. They are dispersed to pay for any costs related to education, such as books, supplies and living expenses. Although funds are sent directly to the school twice annually, the second disbursement is sent based on your ability to maintain grades and other performance criteria.

There are also professional organizations, such as the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) that not only offer scholarships, but also list grants and types of internships that are available. Dental hygiene degrees offer many career options. Due to the increased population over the age of sixty-five who are willing to invest in their dental health, as well as increased awareness for preventative maintenance, there is a high demand for quality, qualified professionals. Earning a bachelor’s degree is worth the investment, but it is not cheap. Contact the schools you are interested in, search professional organization web sites and check with your state’s Department of Education to find funding sources other than financial aid.