$20,000 Merit Scholarship
One Award Annually
Applications Open: March 1
Application Deadline: May 31 (11:59 PM EST)
Scholarship Overview
The Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Audacity to Dream Scholar Award honors Jeanne Craig Sinkford, DDS, PhD (1933–2026)—a nationally and internationally renowned oral health educator, scholar, administrator, researcher, and clinician whose career transformed dental education and expanded opportunities within the oral health professions. A steadfast advocate for equity in dentistry, she devoted her life to opening pathways for future generations of leaders in oral health, in particular African Americans and others historically underrepresented.
In 1975, Dr. Sinkford made history as the first woman to serve as dean of a U.S. dental school, leading the Howard University College of Dentistry until 1991. Following her historic deanship, Dr. Sinkford continued to shape dental education through her work with the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), where she founded the Center for Equity and Diversity and mentored generations of students, faculty, and academic leaders.
This prestigious scholarship recognizes dental students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, scholarly engagement, leadership, and commitment to advancing diversity and mentorship within the profession, reflecting Dr. Sinkford’s enduring legacy of scholarship, service, and professional excellence.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.
- Be enrolled in a U.S. dental school accredited by ADA/CODA.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Be an active member of the Student National Dental Association (SNDA) with documentation of membership at the local or national level
SNDA membership must remain in good standing throughout the review process and the award year.
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be evaluated based on demonstrated excellence in the following areas:
- Academic Achievement
Strong academic performance and a demonstrated commitment to intellectual excellence. - Scholarly Engagement
Participation in research, publications, presentations, or other scholarly activities that contribute to the advancement of dentistry. - Leadership and Professional Engagement
Meaningful leadership and active participation within SNDA or other professional organizations. - Commitment to Equity and Service
Demonstrated dedication to mentorship, diversity, and improving oral health outcomes in underserved communities.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following materials:
- Official dental school transcript
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) — not to exceed three pages
- Professional photograph
Letter of Request for Consideration (maximum 1000 words) describing:
- Academic achievements and recognitions
- Scholarly activities such as publications and presentations
- Leadership experiences within your school and SNDA (local and/or national)
- Professional goals and commitment to advancing the dental profession
Letters of Recommendation (Three Required)
Letters of recommendation are an important component of the review process and will be carefully considered in the selection of award recipients.
Applicants must submit:
- One letter from the Dean or Department Chair addressing academic performance, scholarly activities and leadership potential
- One letter from the SNDA Faculty Advisor (or current faculty member if no advisor is available) highlighting scholarly activity and leadership engagement and future potential
- One letter from a professional reference of the applicant’s choice
Letters from family members, relatives, or fellow students will not be accepted.
Video Submission
Applicants must submit a short video (up to 5 minutes) describing:
- Why they believe they represent one of the most outstanding dental students in the country
- How their goals and achievements reflect the legacy of Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford
Recipient Acknowledgment
- Scholarship recipients must submit a short quotation and a 30-second appreciation video within 30 days of notification.
- Completed Photo and Video Release Form
These materials may be used by the National Dental Association Foundation on its website, publications, and communications platforms.
