Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students Program (SDS)The Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students program (SDS) provides funds to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are full-time, financially needy students from disadvantaged backgrounds enrolled in health professions programs. Funds are awarded to eligible schools by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The schools are responsible for selecting recipients, making reasonable determinations of need and disadvantaged student status, and making awards. The maximum award cannot exceed a student’s financial need. To apply for this scholarship you must provide parental income information, regardless of age or marital status. You should also contact the financial aid office at schools you are interested in for any special application procedures. Please note that not all schools receive SDS funding.
National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program (NHSC)
The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) mission is to help meet the health care needs of underserved communities. Only applicants who share the NHSC’s commitment and who agree to provide oral health services for a minimum of two years in any underserved community identified by the NHSC will be competitive for a scholarship award. The NHSC scholarship pays tuition and fees, books, supplies, and equipment and includes a monthly stipend. For more information, visit the NHSC's website.
Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarships (HPSP)
The U.S. Armed Services offer scholarships to dental students that pay tuition fees, books, instruments, and a stipend. To qualify, applicants must be U.S. citizens between the ages of 21 and 40 (although age limits can be waived in certain cases) and be a graduate of a dental school accredited by the ADA. The service obligation is at least three years of active duty depending on the program under which the applicant receives his or her commission.
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The Armed Forces Health Professionals Scholarship Program (HPSP) provides full tuition for up to four years of dental training, including all school-required fees and expenses, books, and equipment (excludes food, housing, and computers). It also includes a monthly stipend.
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The Financial Assistance Program provides extra payment and a monthly stipend for dentists in residency. Residents also receive their current residency pay. After residency, dentists in this program agree to serve for a certain time. Once in the military, the pay is competitive and includes a signing bonus and fringe benefits.
For further information, contact a local recruiter for the military service in which you’re interested.
Please note that additional federally funded scholarships are available in the ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools which can be purchase by visiting ADEA's Online Marketplace.
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