National Dental Association Foundation and Colgate-Palmolive Establish Scholarship Program

In a continuing commitment to address racial disparities in oral health, the National Dental Association Foundation (NDAF) and Colgate-Palmolive Company have announced the creation of the “Audacity to Dream” scholarship program for African Americans pursuing careers in dentistry. Students currently enrolled in dental school and demonstrating success in areas such as leadership, community service, and research will be eligible for grants from $5,000 to $20,000.

Applications and awards criteria are available here. Grants will be presented at the NDAF’s annual convention in June 2021.

A shortage of African American dentists is one of several challenges African Americans face in accessing oral healthcare. While African Americans make up about 13% of the U.S. population, they account for only 3.8% of dental professionals, according to Colgate-Palmolive Company.

“To truly establish oral health equity, African Americans need greater access to care, more affordable care, increased oral health awareness, and dentists who are passionate about improving the quality of life in communities of color,” says Bertram J. Hughes, DMD, president of the NADF. “Filling the pipeline with the next generation of African American dental professionals helps move us forward on all fronts.”

Colgate and NDAF have been partners to improve the oral health of African American communities for 30 years. For additional information on the scholarship program, visit ndafoundation.org.