National Dental Association Foundation

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.

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.

(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 Dr. Joseph L. Henry Scholarship is awarded to up to four 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 $3,000 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 National Dental Association Foundation (NDAF) and the Colgate-Palmolive Company (Colgate) established the Trailblazers in Oral Health Research (TORCH) Fellowship Award to recognize and support outstanding postdoctoral biomedical and dental clinician-scientists from historically underrepresented backgrounds in the health sciences who demonstrate exceptional promise in advancing oral health research and promoting oral health equity.

This prestigious award reflects the shared commitment of NDAF and Colgate to advancing oral health research and underscores the importance of representation, and innovation in addressing persistent gaps in care and knowledge

The TORCH Fellowship provides recipients with mentorship, professional development, and meaningful industry exposure. The award carries a value of $70,000, which may be applied toward stipend or salary support, research supplies, publications, and up to $5,000 for travel to required research events and presentations. No portion of the award may be used for institutional indirect costs or administrative overhead. No-cost extensions are not permitted. Written acceptance of these terms is required; if the sponsoring institution cannot agree to the conditions, the award will be withdrawn and offered to another applicant.

Through a highly competitive application process, the TORCH Award recognizes exceptional emerging scientists whose lived experiences and perspectives enrich the research enterprise and advance the pursuit of oral health equity. Recipients are:

• Honored at the National Dental Association Annual Convention
• Featured at the Colgate Research Innovation Day at the Colgate Technology Center
• Invited to present at the NDA Minority Faculty and Administrators Luncheon