The Dental AssistEd Scholarship Foundation | Dental Assistant Scholarships in Chicago, IL
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501(c)(3)Nonprofit Organization

Opening Doors to Dental Careers for Every Aspiring Professional

The Dental AssistEd Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships, tuition assistance, and workforce development support to help underserved and low-income individuals train and succeed as dental assistants.

  • No prior dental experience required
  • Student kit and uniform at no cost
  • Chicago, Illinois
Contact Us
A dental assisting student in blue scrubs listening as an instructor points out details on a screen in a clinical training room
Photo: dental assisting students in training
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Our Mission

A Dental Career Within Reach

Dental assisting is a stable career that takes months, not years, to enter. We make sure the people who want it are not stopped by what it costs.

  • A dental assisting student and an instructor reviewing coursework together on a laptop at a clinic counter

    Scholarships & Tuition Assistance

    Full and partial scholarships that remove the biggest barrier to entering the dental field: cost.

  • Two dental assisting students in scrubs practising on a dental training model at a chairside station

    Workforce Development

    Programs and resources designed to prepare scholars for real, lasting careers in dental assisting.

  • A school representative, a practice manager and a dental professional talking together in a clinic reception

    Institutional Partnerships

    Working with accredited schools, dental practices, and employers to expand training and career pathways.

Who We Are

About the Foundation

Dental AssistEd Scholarship Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals overcome financial barriers to entering the dental assisting profession. Through scholarships, education support, career preparation, and workforce development, the Foundation aims to create greater access to training and career opportunities for individuals who may otherwise face financial challenges.

The Foundation works to connect qualified individuals with educational and career resources that can help them build the skills and confidence needed to pursue employment in the dental assisting field.

  • Scholarship AssistanceProvide financial assistance to eligible individuals pursuing dental assisting education and training.
  • Education & Career SupportHelp scholars access resources and support throughout their educational journey.
  • Career PreparationProvide resources that help scholars prepare for employment and professional opportunities.
  • Workforce DevelopmentSupport pathways that connect education and training with opportunities in the dental assisting workforce.

Program Benefits

What Scholars Receive

Every awarded scholar is supported from day one of training through job placement.

  • Tuition Assistance

    Full or partial scholarship coverage toward the Dental Assistant Training Program.

  • Student Kit & Uniform

    A free student kit and uniform provided at no cost to the scholar.

  • Resume & Interview Training

    Hands-on coaching to help scholars present themselves confidently to employers.

  • Externship Opportunities

    Real, hands-on clinical experience as part of every scholar's training.

  • Partner Clinic Introductions

    Introductions and referrals to our partner clinics for graduating scholars.

  • Job Placement Support

    Ongoing assistance and referrals to help scholars land their first dental assisting role.

Who Can Apply

Eligibility Criteria

We look for motivated applicants ready to commit to a career in dental assisting. No prior dental experience is required. Training starts from the basics.

What you need
  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • Demonstrated good moral character (school recommendation optional)
  • Completion of a simple entrance interview
  • Submission of a short motivation essay
What strengthens it
  • Being a first-generation college student
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • Strong, clearly expressed career commitment
  • Being aged 17 to 25, though the program is open to any age

Application Process

How It Works

From application to enrollment, here's what to expect.

  1. Submit Application

    Complete the online scholarship application form.

  2. Meet Requirements

    We confirm you meet eligibility requirements.

  3. Online Interview

    A short interview and motivation essay review.

  4. Award Announcement

    Selected scholars are notified of their award.

  5. Enrollment & Onboarding

    Scholars enroll and begin onboarding for training.

Get Involved

Why Support Us?

Financial barriers can prevent qualified individuals from pursuing career training. Your support helps the Dental AssistEd Scholarship Foundation provide educational and career support to individuals seeking a pathway into the dental assisting profession.

Donations help expand access to training, educational resources, career preparation, and other support that can help scholars move toward meaningful employment.

Support a Scholar

How Your Support Helps

  • Tuition AssistanceHelp reduce the financial burden of career training.
  • Student ResourcesSupport educational materials, supplies, uniforms, and other training-related needs.
  • Career PreparationHelp scholars prepare for resumes, interviews, and professional opportunities.
  • Workforce DevelopmentSupport pathways that help individuals develop skills for careers in dental assisting.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Still unsure about something? Reach out and we'll walk you through it.

Is there an age limit?

Preferably 17–25 years old, but we welcome any motivated applicant.

Do I need experience in dentistry?

No. Training starts from the basics, and no prior experience is required.

How long is the training?

The program runs 8 weeks online, followed by a 2-week externship.

Will I get hired after training?

We assist with job placement and referrals to our partner clinics.

What if I drop out?

The scholarship may be revoked, and any remaining tuition balance must be settled according to the scholarship agreement.

Is the scholarship 100% free?

We offer both full and partial scholarships, depending on evaluation results.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must be at least 17 years old, be a high school graduate or equivalent, demonstrate good moral character, complete a simple entrance interview, and submit a short motivation essay. No prior dental experience is required. Demonstrated financial need, strong career commitment, and being a first-generation college student may strengthen an application.

What does the scholarship cover?

The Foundation offers full tuition assistance for the Dental Assistant Training Program. Awarded scholars also receive a student kit and uniform at no cost, resume and interview training, externship experience, and job placement support and referrals.

How do I apply?

Applicants complete the online scholarship application, meet the eligibility requirements, participate in a short online interview, and submit a motivation essay. Selected scholars are then notified and proceed with enrollment and onboarding for training.

How are scholarship recipients selected?

Applicants are evaluated based on their eligibility, entrance interview, and motivation essay. Factors that may strengthen an application include demonstrated financial need, strong career commitment, and first-generation college status.

Where are scholarship opportunities available?

Scholarship opportunities are available to eligible individuals throughout Chicago, Illinois, with a focus on supporting low-income and underserved communities seeking education and career opportunities in dental assisting.

Get In Touch

Questions About Applying?

Whether you are a prospective scholar, a donor, or a practice interested in partnering, we would like to hear from you.

Send us a message

We reply within two business days.

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