Top Scholarships for Dental Hygienists with Upcoming Deadlines

Dental hygiene students have many classes and are expected to take biology, chemistry, and other science-based courses. This can turn out to be highly stressful and expensive for dental hygiene students. Between tuition, textbooks, lab fees, and clinical supplies, the costs can add up quickly, making it challenging for many students to focus solely on their studies. Fortunately, many aspiring dental hygienists can get financial assistance by applying for dental hygiene scholarships.

To help you find financial aid, we’ve done the research and identified a wide range of dental hygiene scholarships in Bold.org that are available for students at all levels of study. Whether you’re just starting out in your program or pursuing advanced education, there are numerous opportunities with upcoming deadlines. We believe Bold.org offers the best scholarships for several reasons. The platform is user-friendly and easy to use to find scholarships specific to dental hygiene. You can filter opportunities based on your eligibility and education level or search key terms. See the list of scholarships below to begin your scholarship search.

Apply for scholarships now so you can receive funding to help pay for your dental hygiene educational programs.

Requirements for Dental Hygiene Scholarships 

To be eligible for dental hygiene scholarships, students generally need to meet specific academic and professional criteria. First, you must be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited dental hygiene program, either at the associate’s or bachelor’s level. Many scholarships require a minimum GPA, typically around 3.0 or higher, to demonstrate academic commitment. Always review the specific requirements for each scholarship to ensure you meet all the qualifications.

Types of Scholarships for Dental Hygienists

Professional Organization Scholarships are offered by groups like the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) or other local dental organizations, supporting students who are committed to the profession and engaged in advancing their careers through education.

Education and Teaching Scholarships are available for those who see themselves in a future teaching or leadership role within dental hygiene education.

Research and Science Scholarships are perfect for students who want to dig deeper into topics like oral health research, prevention strategies, or cutting-edge dental technologies.

These are just a few of the many types of scholarships available for students studying dental hygiene.

How to Find Scholarships for Dental Hygienists

Here are a few ways to find scholarships as an aspiring dental hygienist:

• Online Scholarship Databases: Use platforms like Bold.org to search for dental hygiene scholarships.
• Dental Associations and Foundations: National and state dental associations and state-level dental hygiene organizations often offer scholarships specifically for students in this field.
• Local and Regional Scholarships: Many local dental practices or organizations offer scholarships to students in their area. Check with your school’s financial aid office or community organizations.
• College Financial Aid Offices: Your college’s financial aid or scholarship office can provide a list of dental hygiene scholarships or grants available to students in your program.

Tips for Winning Dental Hygiene Scholarships

Here are some strategies to boost your chances of winning a dental hygiene scholarship:

1. Start Early Begin your search and application process early in your academic journey. Many scholarships have deadlines months in advance, so give yourself plenty of time to gather the necessary materials and perfect your applications.
2. Get Strong Letters of Recommendation Ask professors, faculty members, supervisors, or professionals in the dental field to write recommendations that highlight your strengths and dedication. Be sure to give them enough time to write detailed, thoughtful letters.
3. Show Leadership and Community Involvement Many scholarships look for students who have demonstrated leadership or made contributions to their community.
4. Tailor Each Application Each scholarship has unique values and focuses, so tailor your essays and application materials to align with the goals of that specific scholarship.
5. Follow Directions Make sure to carefully read and follow all the instructions for each scholarship. Missing a key requirement or not following the guidelines can disqualify you, even if you’re an outstanding candidate.
6. Proofread Your Application Always double-check your essays and application forms for any errors. Submitting a polished, professional application can make a strong impression on the scholarship committee.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships for Students Studying Dental Hygiene

How Can I Improve My Chances of Winning Dental Hygiene Scholarships?

You can improve your chances by taking time with your essays and explaining your interest in dental hygiene. Also, you can improve your chances of winning a scholarship program for dental hygiene by showing examples of your experience in dental hygiene. 

How Many Scholarships Are Available to Dental Hygiene Students?

There are numerous scholarships available specifically for dental hygiene students, though the exact number can vary from year to year. National organizations like the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA Institute or Institute for Oral Health (IOH)) offer multiple scholarships annually, and many state and local dental associations also provide financial aid to students in their region.

Can I Apply for Multiple Dental Hygiene Scholarships?

Yes, you can and should apply for as many scholarships as you are eligible for. The more applications you submit, the better your chances of receiving financial aid.

Are There Scholarships for Part-Time Dental Hygiene Students?

Some scholarships are specifically available for full-time students, but there are also scholarships open to part-time students. Be sure to check the eligibility requirements of each scholarship.

Do I Need a High GPA to Qualify for a Dental Hygiene Scholarship?

While some scholarships have GPA requirements, not all of them do. Many scholarships also consider other factors like your volunteer work, leadership skills, and dedication to the field.

Are you pursuing an associate degree in dental hygiene? Apply for scholarships to help you reduce your college costs. Don’t limit yourself to one oral health scholarship program when you can apply for many!