The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation today announced it has granted $1 million to Howard University College of Dentistry to launch the Delta Dental Endowed Scholarship for Opportunity program.
The grant will support Howard University College of Dentistry by offering scholarships to high-achieving and financially deserving students. An additional $20,000 has been allocated to provide immediate financial support for students enrolled in the College of Dentistry. Preferences will be given to students based on academic standing and financial need, and those who have demonstrated interest in working in underserved communities. The scholarships will be awarded annually to new students, or previous scholarship recipients.
“We are proud to partner with Howard University College of Dentistry and support their mission to educate and train the next generation of dental practitioners,” said Kenzie Ferguson, vice president of foundation and corporate social responsibility for Delta Dental of California. “The partnership helps us achieve our broader mutual goals of increasing access to oral health care, especially for those in underserved communities, and providing opportunities for oral health education.”
“We are grateful to the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation for its major investment in our mission,” said Dr. Andrea Jackson, DDS, dean of Howard University College of Dentistry. “This donation will make a difference to dental students navigating the tremendous educational debt incurred during their education and contribute significantly to access to care for underserved communities.”
Howard University’s College of Dentistry is the fifth oldest dental school in the United States and graduates approximately 75 students each year. The College serves as a research institution that prides itself on being a national resource to dental leaders.