Dental Hygiene Scholarships 2026

Dental hygiene scholarships fund your education through grants, corporate awards, and institutional aid. These financial awards reduce your tuition costs, cover equipment fees, and pay for textbooks. Students secure funding by applying to professional organizations like the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA).

The ADHA Institute for Oral Health (IOH) offers several specific awards for hygiene students. These scholarships support students at 3 academic levels: associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Candidates highlight achievements in community service, clinical excellence, and academic performance to win these competitive funds.

Corporate partners like Crest, Oral-B, and Haleon provide additional financial support. These companies offer 3 types of assistance: merit-based scholarships, diversity grants, and research stipends. You strengthen an application by submitting a detailed personal statement and strong letters of recommendation.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Undergraduate (Associate and Bachelor’s) and Graduate (Master’s)
Location: United States
Institution(s): CODA-accredited dental hygiene programs
Program Period: 1 to 4 years
Course offered: Dental Hygiene
Deadline: February 28, 2026

Scholarship Coverage

Dental hygiene scholarships provide 3 types of financial support: tuition payments, laboratory fees, and instrument costs. Most awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 per academic year. The ADHA Foundation pays funds directly to your school’s financial aid office to cover your educational expenses. You receive a refund for living expenses, if your tuition is already fully paid by other grants.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants meet eligibility criteria by satisfying 3 main requirements: active membership in the ADHA, enrollment in a CODA-accredited program, and a minimum GPA of 3.0. You must complete at least 1 year of dental hygiene curriculum before the funding begins. International students require a valid student visa and enrollment in a U.S.-based program. You must submit proof of financial need, if you apply for need-based categories like the Minority Scholarship.

Application Process

You submit an application through the ADHA Institute for Oral Health online portal. The process requires 4 specific steps: creating an account, uploading academic transcripts, requesting two letters of recommendation, and writing a personal statement. Your personal statement must describe 3 professional goals: your clinical interests, your community service history, and your plans for the profession. You must include official documents, such as current transcripts, enrollment verification forms, and membership IDs. Scholarship committees review application essays to determine the finalists based on leadership potential and academic merit. You must verify your school’s CODA accreditation status, if you are unsure of your program’s eligibility.

Deadline

The primary deadline for 2026–2027 ADHA scholarships is February 28, 2026. Other corporate awards, such as the ADEA/Haleon scholarship, typically close in September each year. You should submit your materials at least 2 weeks before the final date to avoid technical issues.