We are The National Dental Association Foundation
Beginning July 1, 2026, new federal loan caps and the loss of Grad PLUS will make it far more difficult for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to finance dental school. Our latest NDAF blog explains what the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” means for the next generation of dentists—and why scholarships and fellowships are now essential to keeping the dental pipeline open and diverse.
Washington, D.C. – The National Dental Association Foundation (NDAF) joins the dental and academic communities in mourning the passing of Jeanne C….
Research fellowship award: $70,000 The Trailblazers in Oral Health Research Scholars (TORCH) African Heritage Fellowship Award was established to recognize…
“I am deeply honored to receive the Audacity to Dream Leadership Scholarship from the National Dental Association Foundation. This support has been instrumental in overcoming the financial barriers faced by many dental students and has renewed my belief in the power of representation and hope. To those who look like me, know that there is someone rooting for you, and your dreams are possible.” – Tareina Rogers
Colgate-Palmolive continued its longstanding partnership with the National Dental Association (NDA) at its 111th National Convention. EOC Leader; Ram Raghavan…
The next generation of academics and researchers will play a crucial role in educating future dental professionals and advancing the…
Our primary efforts include:
Supporting Innovative Strategies
that improve oral health behaviors and outcomes in African American and systematically under-resourced communities.
- Increase Scholarship and Fellowship Support: Provide expanded financial assistance for members of SNDA, USNDA, NDHA, and NDAA.
- Enhance Research Capacity: Strengthen oral health research capabilities and scholarly impact at Howard University College of Dentistry and Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, driving innovation that improves patient outcomes and community health, and broadens our understanding of oral diseases and the social determinants of oral health disparities and inequities.
- Advance Career Development and Enrichment: Offer robust career development opportunities for historically underrepresented faculty and provide enrichment and mentorship programs for SNDA, USNDA, NDHA, and NDAA students.
- Strengthen Oral Health Professions Career Pathways: Expand and enhance pathway programs for precollege, college, and postbaccalaureate students from historically underrepresented minority groups.
- Promote Community Health and Education: Broaden the reach and effectiveness of community health education and promotion initiatives sponsored by the NDA and its affiliates.
Student Testimonials
Support Our Efforts
The NDAF’s work is powered by the generous support of individuals and corporate partners who share our commitment to equity and excellence. Through our scholarship initiatives, research projects, career enrichment and pathway programs, and community health and education activities, we remain steadfast in our commitment to building healthier, more vibrant communities of color. Your support can help us expand our reach and deepen our impact. To learn more about the NDAF, our initiatives, and how you can make a difference, click here.