"Colgate is pleased to partner with the National Dental Association Foundation to support the new Audacity to Dream Scholarships. We believe that these scholarships are critical to recognize our future African - American oral health leaders and important to help deserving students obtain a dental degree while reducing their student debt as they pursue their lifetime dream."
~ Gilliam Barclay, DDS, MPH, DrPH VP, Global Public Health & Scientific Affairs, Colgate Palmolive The Audacity To Dream Scholar Awards $10,000 and $20,000
Application opens February 1 and closes midnight May 31, 2025.
The Audacity to Dream Scholars Award is an esteemed annual award recognizing dental students who exemplify exceptional academic achievement, demonstrated scholarly success, and an unwavering commitment to excellence throughout their dental education. This prestigious award celebrates students who not only achieve academic excellence but also contribute meaningfully to the advancing the profession. Whether through publishing, presenting at conferences, or initiating impactful projects, recipients showcase a dedication to intellectual growth and innovation.
Beyond excelling in rigorous coursework, recipients must also be actively involved in their local Student National Dental Association (SNDA) chapter, championing its mission to promote diversity, mentorship, and community service within the dental profession. This award celebrates students who successfully balance the demands of academics with service and leadership, positioning themselves as role models and future leaders in dentistry.
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 3.5 or higher
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- • 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 30-second video expressing their appreciation within 30 days of notification. This content may be used on the NDAF website and other publications
Include with Application
Applicants must submit the following:
• Official dental school transcript
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Professional photo
• A letter of request for consideration summarizing academic achievements and scholarly recognitions and your involvement in your local SNDA chapter, and national SNDA.
• Narrative of no more than 500 words describing how your diverse experiences have shaped your empathy, resilience, character, and perspective. This essay should also describe how these funds assist you in your education/professional pursuit and what can the NDAF expect from you as a return for this investment.
- • Completed Photo and Video Release Form
• Three letters of recommendation
--- One letter from your Program Director or Dean of Students addressing your academic performance.- --- One letter from your SNDA advisor or a current faculty member highlighting your academic and extra-curricular involvement.
- --- One letter from an individual of your choice (not listed above).
- Recommendations from family members, relatives, and students are not accepted.
- Letters of recommendation will be heavily weighted in the selection process
• Short video (up to 5 minutes) explaining why you believe you are one of the most outstanding dental students in the country.
The Audacity To Dream Leadership Award ($5,000)
Application opens February 1 and closes midnight May 31, 2025.
The Audacity to Dream Leadership Scholarship is a prestigious annual award that celebrates dental students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, visionary leadership, and a commitment to advancing diversity and equity in oral health. This scholarship honors individuals who not only excel in their studies but also make significant contributions to their local Student National Dental Association (SNDA) chapters or the national organization.
Award recipients are leaders who actively engage in efforts to promote inclusivity, mentorship, and oral health equity. Whether organizing impactful community service projects, spearheading educational initiatives, or mentoring peers, these students exemplify the values of service, advocacy, and excellence. Their dedication inspires others and contributes to fostering a more diverse and equitable oral health workforce.
Applicants must demonstrate a proven history of meaningful contributions to their SNDA chapter or broader community, highlighting initiatives that have created a lasting impact. This scholarship recognizes and supports future leaders who embody the courage to dream, lead, and make transformative change.
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 30-second video expressing their appreciation within 30 days of notification. This content may be used on the NDAF website and other publications
Include with Application
- Applicants must submit the following:
• Official dental school transcript
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Professional photo
• A letter of request for consideration summarizing academic awards and recognitions and the leadership positions you have held within your school, local SNDA chapter, and national SNDA.
• A narrative of no more than 1000 words describing your leadership experiences, including your leadership roles within the SNDA and how has your efforts contributed to the success of your chapter or region. This narrative should also describe how your leadership skills can help strengthen the SNDA to NDA pipeline and how you plan to support your dental school as a practicing dentist. Please also describe how your character and leadership reflect one or more of the following traits; courage, humanity, justice, temperament, wisdom or transcendence.
• A “Leadership Reflection” essay of no more than 500 words, outlining your perspective on what it means to be a leader, specifically in alignment with 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 not accepted
• Completed Photo and Video Release Form
The Audacity To Dream Research Merit Scholarship ($5,000)
Application opens February 1 and closes midnight March 31, 2025.
The Audacity to Dream Research Merit Scholarship is an esteemed annual award recognizing dental students who demonstrate academic excellence and exceptional commitment to applied or clinical research. Applicants should have participated in or contributed to research that advances oral health care, improves patient outcomes, or expands our understanding of dental science.
Applicants must also be actively involved in their local Student National Dental Association (SNDA) chapter, embodying its mission to promote diversity, mentorship, and community service in the dental profession. This scholarship celebrates students who are bridging research with practice and paving the way for innovative approaches in oral health.
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 30-second video expressing their appreciation within 30 days of notification. This content may be used on the NDAF website and other publications
Include with Application
- Applicants must submit the following:
• Official dental school transcript
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) – not exceed three pages
• Professional photo
• A letter of request for consideration that provides a comprehensive overview of your research experience, including any papers, abstracts, posters, or lecture presentations. This summary should include all research activities from undergraduate, dental and/or graduate studies. Please also Include any academic or research awards and recognitions you have received.
• A brief outline, describing your current research activities and/or project. Please also include your role in the project and any publications that you had an active role in.
• A “Research Vision” essay of no more than 500 words or less, outlining your perspective of oral health research, specifically in alignment with 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 of which must come from a dental school faculty member or SNDA advisor.
Recommendations from family members, relatives, and students are not accepted.
• Completed Photo and Video Release Form
The Audacity To Dream Community Service Award ($5,000)
Application opens February 1 and closes midnight May 31, 2025.
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 moles 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.
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 30-second video expressing their appreciation within 30 days of notification. This content may be used on the NDAF website and other publications
Include with Application
- • 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 not accepted
• Completed Photo and Video Release Form