The DTA Foundation, in partnership with Benco Family Foundation, is proud to open applications this month for their new dental hygiene scholarship program, funded by the Lawrence and Sally Cohen Endowed Scholarship Fund for Dental Hygiene.

Thanks to a generous $1M Legacy gift from Benco Family Foundation, dental hygiene students from underrepresented communities and backgrounds will be awarded scholarship funding through a new endowment, enabling support for aspiring dental hygienists for years to come. As the US faces a shortage of dental hygienists, this scholarship aims to increase access to a dental hygiene career, especially for those that have historically lacked access to it. Dental hygienists are vital members of the dental team and are often the trusted partner between the patient and the dental office.

"This new dental hygiene scholarship in honor of Larry & Sally Cohen will impact so many aspiring dental hygienists and oral health for years to come," says Sarah Miller, DTA Foundation Executive Director. "Dental hygienists play a critical role in increasing access to oral health care, especially for marginalized and underserved communities. We are proud to be a part of this exciting new initiative with the Benco Family Foundation."

The online application, found on the DTA Foundation website, will be open from March 11th to April 30th. Applicants will be asked to answer short essay questions and to provide a two-minute video to describe their unique background and future dental hygiene aspirations.

Julie Radzyminski, Interim Executive Director of Benco Family Foundation notes, "We are excited once again to partner with the DTA Foundation to provide a scholarship for dental hygienists. Dental Hygienists are the first line of prevention for a dental office and are a crucial piece of complete oral health wellness."

In addition to the scholarship, Young Innovations has graciously agreed to include a complete line of preventive items for the student, along with a set of scrubs and $500 for school supplies. This additional support will further set up the scholarship winner for success, as dental hygienists are usually asked to provide these items at their own cost.

"Expanding the dental hygiene profession and ensuring access to care have become industry-wide missions, and Young is honored to serve and support this initiative in partnership with the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation," says Jamie Falasz, BS, RDH, Strategic Business Development Manager for Young Innovations.

If you are interested in also supporting this new scholarship, contact Sarah Miller, Executive Director, at sarahmiller@dentaltradealliance.org or (703) 379-7755.