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.

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.

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.

(Female Applicants Only)

This scholarship recognizes candidates committed to addressing health disparities, advocating equitable and compassionate care, and driving systemic change to improve oral health outcomes in systematically under-resourced communities of color. Applicants must be members of the National Dental Association (NDA) and embody its mission of advancing oral health equity and diversity within the dental profession. This award celebrates those who lead through innovation, expertise, and exceptional service, ensuring a healthier and more equitable future for underserved communities.

The Dr. Bessie Delaney Fellowship honors Dr. Annie Elizabeth “Bessie” Delaney (September 3, 1891 – September 25, 1995), a trailblazing dentist and civil rights advocate who dedicated her 27-year career to serving Harlem’s underserved communities, treating patients with dignity and compassion. This fellowship supports individuals pursuing advanced clinical training in the dental specialties or advanced studies in research, public health, administration, or law, with a demonstrated commitment to improving the oral health of African American communities

In 1923, she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Columbia University, becoming the only Black woman in her graduating class and just the second Black woman licensed to practice dentistry in New York State. Affectionately known as “Dr. Bessie,” she never raised her fees, offered countless free dental exams to children, and continued providing care to those unable to pay during the Great Depression.

Beyond her work in dentistry, Dr. Delaney was a dedicated civil rights champion. She took part in protests and marches, and her dental office often served as a meeting place for civil rights organizers. She adamantly opposed segregation laws and fought for equal rights for all people. At age 101, Dr. Delaney gained national attention through Having Our Say, a memoir by Amy Hill Hearth that chronicled her remarkable life story. In 1994, Columbia University’s School of Dental and Oral Surgery honored her with the Distinguished Alumna Award in recognition of her groundbreaking achievements as a minority woman in dentistry and her steadfast commitment to social justice and community service.

The Dr. Clifton & Lois Dummett Fellowship honors Dr. Clifton O. Dummett (1919–2011), a distinguished educator, researcher, and advocate for social justice, and his wife, Lois Doyle Dummett, a historian and co-author. This fellowship honors their legacy of advancing equity, scholarship, and humanitarianism in dentistry. It is awarded to individuals pursuing advanced clinical training in the dental specialties or advanced studies in research, public health, administration, or law, with a demonstrated commitment to social justice and improving the oral health of systematically under-resourced communities.

Dr. Dummett (May 20, 1919 – September 7, 2011) was a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of the University of Southern California. He pursued undergraduate studies at Howard and Roosevelt Universities, earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Northwestern University in 1941 and later completed master’s degrees in periodontics and public health from Northwestern and the University of Michigan, respectively. At age 28, he became the youngest dental school dean in the U.S. at Meharry Medical College. A champion for equality, his efforts in the ADA led to the elimination of restrictive membership policies. He also served as Editor-in-Chief of the NDA for 22 years. Together, the Dummett’s co-authored NDA II: The Story of America’s Second National Dental Association.

In 1947, Dr. Dummett was appointed dean of the School of Dentistry at Meharry Medical College, making history as the youngest dental school dean in the United States at just 28 years old. A tireless advocate for equality, he introduced a resolution in the American Dental Association (ADA) House of Delegates that helped eliminate restrictive membership policies. He also served as Editor-in-Chief of the National Dental Association (NDA) for 22 years, shaping its voice and influence.

Together, Dr. Dummett and Lois co-authored NDA II: The Story of America’s Second National Dental Association, published by the NDA Foundation in 2000. Internationally renowned for his contributions, Dr. Dummett authored hundreds of articles on dental history, public health, and social justice, leaving a profound and enduring impact on the profession and the community.

The Dr. Joseph L. Henry Scholarship is awarded to up to five incoming first-year dental students who excel academically, participate in extra-curricular activities, and demonstrate exceptional academic and professional promise, embodying Dr. Henry’s values of excellence, determination, and leadership. Recipients receive a $2,000 renewable scholarship for up to four years, contingent upon submission of an annual application, and evidence of academic excellence and student leadership.

The Dr. Joseph L. Henry Scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. Joseph L. Henry (May 2, 1924 – October 11, 2011), an extraordinary leader in dentistry and education. Dr. Henry served as Dean of both Howard University College of Dentistry and Harvard School of Dental Medicine, leaving an indelible mark on both institutions. A valedictorian at every level of his studies, he earned his undergraduate degree at Xavier University, his dental degree at Howard University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois—all by the age of 26.

His rapid rise to prominence began at Howard, where he joined the faculty and was named Dean in 1966. Over the years, he was appointed to several White House Conferences, including those on Food, Nutrition, and Health; Employment of the Handicapped; and International Relations. A dedicated mentor, Dr. Henry inspired countless students with his philosophy to “make the best of it” and his call to “pull yourself together, focus, and apply your skills.”

The Dental Hygiene Scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in a dental hygiene program accredited by CODA and that are active members of the National Dental Hygienist Association (NDHA). Eligible applicants must be in good academic standing, actively participation in both academic and extracurricular activities, and demonstrate outstanding character by exhibiting genuine concern for the well-being of classmates, patients and the broader community.

The Dental Assistant Scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in an accredited dental assisting program and that are active members of the National Dental Assistant Association (NDAA). Eligible applicants must be in good academic standing, actively participation in both academic and extracurricular activities, and demonstrate outstanding character by exhibiting genuine concern for the well-being of classmates, patients and the broader community.

The Advancing Futures Dental Scholarships are awarded to second-, third- or fourth-year students who are active members of the Student National Dental Association (SNDA). Eligible applicants must be in good academic standing, actively participation in both academic and extracurricular activities, and demonstrate outstanding character by exhibiting genuine concern for the well-being of classmates, patients and the broader community.