“Empowering the Next Generation of Black Oral Health Professionals”
The National Dental Association Foundation (NDAF), in partnership with the National Dental Association (NDA) and Procter & Gamble Company, proudly present the NDAF/Crest Oral-B BRIDGES Scholarship Program — a transformative initiative committed to supporting and empowering the next the next generation of Black oral health professionals.
The BRIDGES Scholarship Program offers vital financial assistance to Black and African American students pursuing careers in dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental assisting. By helping to alleviate financial burdens, these scholarships promote academic excellence and support students in achieving their educational and professional aspirations.
Through this collaborative effort, the NDAF and Procter & Gamble Company reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing oral health equity and fostering diversity within the dental profession.
Annual Awards
- Dental Students: 5 awardees, $8,000 each
- Dental Hygiene Students: 5 awardees, $4,000 each
- Dental Assisting Students: 5 awardees, $2,000 each
Eligibility Requirements and Criteria
- Be a S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Be accepted into or currently enrolled in a CODA-accredited dental program (dental students), or dental hygiene or dental assisting program in the U.S. or Puerto Rico for the upcoming academic year (Fall of 2025).
- Be an active member of their respective professional organization:
- Student National Dental Association (SNDA)
- National Dental Hygienists’ Association (NDHA)
- National Dental Assistants’ Association (NDAA)
- Membership documentation (local or national) must be submitted with the application, and membership must remain in good standing throughout the scholarship review process and the awarding academic year.
- Be enrolled as a full-time student Fall 2025.
- Maintain good academic standing at your institution.
- Demonstrate a clear commitment to improving oral health outcomes of under-resourced communities of color.
- Carefully review all application requirements carefully; it is your responsibility to ensure that all required materials are submitted via the National Dental Association Foundation (NDAF) online application portal by the deadline.
- Agree to provide a quotation and a 30-second video expressing your appreciation if selected, to be submitted within 30 days of notification, and along with signing a consent agreement for its use on the NDAF website and other related materials.
- Agree to participate in the Virtual Award Ceremony on August 25, 2025.
- Consent to serve as a Crest+Oral-B Scholarship Ambassador if selected.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following material:
- Official Transcript: An official transcript from your current dental, dental hygiene, or dental assisting program. For incoming students please provide an official transcript from your undergraduate institution (for dental students) or high school (for dental hygiene and dental assisting students).
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Professional headshot
- Letter of Request for Consideration (up to 1,000 words) outlining professional goals, academic honors, community service involvement at your school or professional association (local/national chapters), and personal qualities and experiences relevant to this scholarship.
- Personal Narrative (up to 500 words) detailing your commitment to improving oral health in underserved communities
- Membership Verification Letter from the local or national officer of SNDA, NDHA, or NDAA confirming your current membership status.
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Dental Students: One letter must be from an administrator or faculty member of your current degree program; for entering dental students, one letter should come from an undergraduate advisor or professor.
- Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting: One letter should be from your program advisor or a faculty member.
- Letters from family members, relatives, or fellow students will not be accepted.
- Completed Photo and Video Release Form
- Letter of acceptance from a U.S. dental school accredited by ADA/CODA.