The Audacity to Dream Community Service Scholarship is an annual award that honors dental students who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to community service and a commitment to improving the oral health outcomes in systematically under-resourced communities. This prestigious scholarship recognizes individuals who take an active, innovative, and compassionate approach to addressing oral health disparities. Applicants must showcase a proven track record of meaningful and sustained community involvement, including developing or leading initiatives that promote health equity and awareness.
Additionally, applicants must demonstrate active participation in their local SNDA chapter, advancing its mission to foster diversity, mentorship, advocacy and service within the dental profession. This award celebrates students who exemplify the highest ideals of leadership, empathy, and dedication to service. Recipients of this scholarship are role models who inspire their peers and make a profound, measurable impact on their communities while contributing to a more equitable future for the field of dentistry.
Application opens March 1 and closes midnight May 31
Imari McCullough
2024 The Audacity to Dream Community Service Award Recipient
Eligibility Requirements and Criteria
- Must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident status.
- Must be enrolled in a U.S. dental school accredited by ADA/CODA and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Must be an active SNDA member with proper documentation (local or national).
- SNDA membership must remain in good standing throughout the review process and the awarding academic year.
- Must attend the SNDA Rights of Passage Gala the year of your application.
- Scholarship awardees must submit a quotation and a 30-second video expressing their appreciation within 30 days of notification. This content may be used on the NDAF website and other publications
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
- Official dental school transcript
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Professional photo
- A letter of request for consideration summarizing the community service projects you have organized or participated in within your local SNDA chapter, national SNDA and individually.
- A 2–5-minute video scrapbook highlighting your most recent community service project.
- A narrative of no more than 500 words describing a potential community service program that could be executed by SNDA or NDA in the future.
- A narrative of no more than 500 words outlining your personal and professional qualities and attributes that are in accordance with the spirit of the National Dental Association Foundation’s mission and core values.
- A letter from SNDA national or local president stating your current membership status.
- Two recommendation letters
- One letter must be from a dental school faculty member or SNDA advisor.
- Recommendations from family members, relatives, and students are notaccepted
- Completed Photo and Video Release Form