2026

2026 SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

THE HISPANIC DENTAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION in its quest for continuous improvement in the development of oral health professionals presents a scholarship program to students in the field of dentistry. These scholarships will be awarded to support meritorious work by student members of the Hispanic Student Dental Association who seek to advance their scientific and applied clinical knowledge as they enter the oral health care profession. Scholarship amounts vary depending on the Funder of the Scholarship.

What is the intent of the scholarship?

The intent of the HDA Foundation Scholarship Program is to support promising students as they pursue their academic training. The awarding of these scholarships will help support the recipients during their dental and dental hygiene programs.

Who can apply?

These scholarships are open to current student members of the Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA) who have been accepted or enrolled into a CODA accredited dental or dental hygiene program for the coming academic year.

How does one apply?

The application form must be submitted online to the Hispanic Dental Association Foundation. The application must be complete and submitted online in English. The application form may be found at https://form.jotform.com/260775468835068

How will the scholarships be awarded?

For the 2026 academic year, the application must be submitted online no later than July 1, 2026. The award decisions will be final and communicated to all applicants by July 31, 2026.

What are the Eligibility Requirements?

To be considered, you must:

• Be accepted to begin your program or already be enrolled in a CODA accredited dental program, or dental hygiene program in the U.S. or Puerto Rico in the coming academic year (Fall of 2026).

• Be a current HSDA (Hispanic Student Dental Association) member.

• Be a full-time student during the academic year (Fall 2026) for which you are applying.

• Be in good academic standing at your school as determined by a letter from the Academic or Student Affairs Dean from your institution.

• Applicant must not have been a previous recipient of any HDAF Scholarship. (Only past recipients of a Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation Scholarship may reapply.)

Scholarship Application Timeline

• You must submit your completed application to the Hispanic Dental Association Foundation (HDAF) online no later than July 1, 2026.

• The Verification form must be sent directly from the school to HDAF through the online process no later than July 1, 2026. (Remember you must complete the top portion of the Verification Form.)

• The recommendation must be submitted directly from the Recommender through the online process no later than July 1, 2026. (Remember you must complete the top portion of the Recommendation form.)

• The Financial Aid Verification Form must be submitted directly from the Financial Aid Department of your school through the online process no later than July 1, 2026. (Remember you must complete the top portion of the Financial Aid Form.)

As part of the application, you are required to submit a 2-3 minute (three minute maximum) YouTube video explaining your journey to pursuing a career in dentistry. What experiences, challenges, or influences have shaped your goals as a future dental professional? Secondly discuss a recent news story related to oral health or dentistry that caught your attention. Why is this issue important? Please use a plain background with no loud music or visual effects. Start the video with your name, school and program year. Parts of /or your complete video may be used in HDA/HDAF/Sponsor publications. Submission of this application gives your approval for said use.

A current Curriculum Vitae no longer than two pages in length must be included in the application portal demonstrating the following achievements:

• Commitment and dedication to improving the oral health of the Hispanic community

• Community Service (i.e. volunteer efforts in school, medical facilities, church, etc.)

• Leadership Skills

• Scholastic Achievement

• Committed to increasing Hispanic representation in the dental profession

The Scholarship Committee of the HDA Foundation will review each application on its merit. All decisions are final. Applicants will be notified by July 31, 2026.

• If you are a recipient of any scholarship award, your presence is required at the HDA Annual Meeting and HSDA Regional Conference in Boston, MA on October 1-3, 2026. You will be given up to $750 to help cover travel expenses if receipts are received within 30 days of Conference.

Failure to submit a complete application with all the items listed above by the appropriate deadline date will result in your application not being considered. It is your responsibility to ensure ALL necessary materials are received to the HDA Foundation through the online application by the deadline.

Failure to submit a complete application with all the items listed above by the appropriate deadline date will result in your application not being considered. It is your responsibility to ensure ALL necessary materials are received to the HDA Foundation through the online application by the deadline.

Scholarship application

Please read all instructions carefully before completing application. All applications must be complete and in English. No handwritten applications will be accepted.

Please read all materials carefully. It is YOUR responsibility to ensure that ALL the necessary materials are received to the HDA Foundation through the online application by the deadline.

QUESTIONS?
Contact 317-714-0037 or hdafoundationscholarships@gmail.com