$10,000 Merit Scholarship
One Award Annually
Applications Open: March 1
Application Deadline: May 31 (11:59 PM EST)
Scholarship Overview
The Audacity to Dream Community Service Scholarship recognizes dental students who demonstrate exceptional dedication to community service and a commitment to improving oral health outcomes in systematically under-resourced communities.
This prestigious award honors students who lead or participate in initiatives that expand access to care, promote oral health education, and address disparities affecting underserved populations. Selected recipients demonstrate community engagement through meaningful involvement in outreach programs, community partnerships, and service initiatives that improve oral health awareness and access to care.
Applicants must also demonstrate active involvement in the Student National Dental Association (SNDA) and a commitment to its mission of mentorship, service, and professional development.
This award celebrates students whose service, leadership, and dedication to community engagement reflect the NDAF’s mission of advancing oral health equity.
Imari McCullough
2024 The Audacity to Dream Community Service Award Recipient
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Be enrolled in an ADA/CODA-accredited U.S. dental school
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Be an active SNDA member (local or national) in good standing
- Membership must remain active throughout the review and award year
- Attend the SNDA Rights of Passage Gala during the year of application
All scholarship recipients must submit:
- A brief quotation of appreciation
- A 30-second video message within 30 days of notification
- Completed Photo and Video Release Form
These materials may be featured on the NDAF website and related publications.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Official dental school transcript
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) maximum three pages
- Professional photograph
- Service Impact Statement (maximum 1000 words) describing:
- Your most significant community service initiatives
- Your leadership role and measurable impact
- How your work advanced oral health equity
- A practical community service initiative that SNDA or NDA could implement in the future
- Short Video (2–3 minutes) highlighting a recent service initiative and your role in its success
- Letter from the SNDA National or Local President confirming membership status
- Two letters of recommendation:
- One must be from SNDA Faculty Advisor, if none, Faculty Member
- Letters from family members, relatives, or fellow students are not accepted