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.
Apply for dental school scholarships now so you can receive funding to help pay for your dental hygiene educational programs.
Dental School Scholarships
ADEA/MouthWatch Patti DiGangi Scholarship for Dental Hygiene Innovation
Official page: ADEA MouthWatch Patti DiGangi Scholarship for Dental Hygiene Innovation
Summary: Supports hygiene students who want to transform oral health through leadership and innovative care delivery.
Eligibility: Full-time student in an accredited dental hygiene or public health program in the U.S. or Canada, completed at least one year, good academic standing, ADEA Individual Member.
Award: $1,000 single award.
Key dates: Applications due September 15, 2025. Notifications by December 5, 2025. Awards announced at ADEA 2026.
ADEA/Haleon Dental Hygiene Scholarship
Official page: ADEA Haleon Dental Hygiene Scholarship
Summary: Recognizes students dedicated to inclusivity and community health.
Eligibility: Full-time in an accredited dental hygiene program with at least one year remaining, one candidate per program, commitment to community health and inclusivity.
Award: $2,500 single award.
Key dates: Applications accepted July 15 to September 15, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Award notifications by December 5, 2025.
ADEA/Crest Oral-B Scholarships for Dental Hygiene Students Pursuing Academic Careers
Official page: ADEA Crest Oral-B Scholarships for Academic Careers
Summary: For hygiene students pursuing education beyond an associate degree who intend to build academic careers.
Eligibility: Enrolled in a baccalaureate or graduate dental hygiene program at an ADEA Member Institution, ADEA Individual Member, full or part time.
Award: Two awards of $3,000 each.
Key dates: Applications due September 15, 2025. Notifications by December 5, 2025.
General Scholarships at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry
Official page: UMSOD Scholarships and Awards
Summary: One general application makes you eligible for numerous internal awards including need based, merit, and restricted funds such as the Adams Foundation Endowment.
Eligibility: UMSOD students who submit the general scholarship application and update community service hours.
Award: Varies by scholarship.
Key dates: General application and hours due January 1, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Faculty recommendation due January 8, 2025. Notifications in early March.
Kansas Initiative for New Dentists Scholarship
Official page: KIND Grants and Scholarships
Summary: Significant funding for dental students who commit to practice in rural Kansas as KanCare providers.
Eligibility: D1 to D4 dental students with a service commitment in a rural county as a Medicaid provider.
Award: Up to $25,000 per year with a possible total up to $100,000.
Key dates: Application deadline December 1 each year. Note: this is a dental program, not hygiene specific, but valuable if you plan to continue to DDS.
ADA CDEL Teacher Scholarship
Official page: ADA CDEL Teacher Scholarship
Summary: Covers full tuition for the four day AAL Institute for Teaching and Learning for dentists interested in academia.
Eligibility: General dentist, current ADA member, graduate of a CODA accredited program, licensed to practice or teach in the U.S.
Award: Full tuition to AAL and ITL with several scholarships available annually.
Key dates: 2025 deadline March 21 with scholarships granted in May. Note: dentist oriented but useful for hygienists pursuing future dental school or academic roles.
Hispanic Dental Association Foundation Scholarships
Official page: HDA Foundation Scholarship Application
Summary: Multiple awards for dental and dental hygiene students committed to serving Hispanic communities, with some programs including a supplies gift card.
Eligibility: HDA or HSDA members enrolled in CODA accredited programs.
Award: Recent cycles included dental hygiene awards of $3,000 to $8,000 plus a $500 supplies gift card. Amounts vary by sponsor.
Key dates: The 2024 application closed March 24, 2024. Watch the page for the next cycle since timelines can change.
NDHA Dental Hygiene Scholarship
Official page: NDA Foundation Dental Hygiene Scholarship
Summary: Support for active National Dental Hygienists’ Association members enrolled in CODA accredited hygiene programs.
Eligibility: U.S. dental hygiene students with financial need, good standing, NDHA membership, community involvement.
Award: $750.
Key dates: Opens March 1 and closes May 31 annually.
Delta Dental Foundation Hygienist Scholarships and Equipment Fund
Official page: Delta Dental Foundation Hygienist Scholarships and Equipment Fund
Summary: Tuition scholarships and separate equipment grants for hygiene students in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
Eligibility: Accepted to an accredited dental hygiene program in Michigan, Ohio, or Indiana, application with required documentation and interview. Exclusions apply for federal loan defaults and immediate family of Delta Dental employees or board members.
Award: Tuition awards from $1,000 to $10,000 per year for up to two years, plus a separate Supply Kit Award up to $5,000.
Key dates: The 2025 window opened February 11 and closed April 30. Check back for the next cycle.
ADHA Foundation Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Scholarship
Official page: ADHA Foundation Graduate Level Scholarships
Summary: Master’s level scholarship supporting community outreach for children’s oral health.
Eligibility: Completed an entry level dental hygiene program, minimum 3.0 GPA, master’s level focus on children’s oral health outreach.
Award: Up to $2,500.
Key dates: Application windows follow the ADHA Foundation portal schedule. The 2024 to 2025 portal opened October 1, 2024 and closed January 31, 2025. The next cycle opens December 1, 2025, so confirm exact dates when the portal goes live.
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
Tips for Winning Dental Hygiene Scholarships
Here are some strategies to boost your chances of winning a dental hygiene scholarship:
- 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.
- 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.
- Show Leadership and Community Involvement Many scholarships look for students who have demonstrated leadership or made contributions to their community.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
Michael Alexander
Michael's experience with scientific research foundations informs his work at Scholarship Institute, where he leverages his strong research background to provide valuable insights across various fields. Specializing in review articles on scholarships, particularly in STEM, he ensures that students receive well-informed content to effectively navigate their financial options.
