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
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
Recommended 1400 x 1200 px

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.

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.

  • Guaranteed Externship

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

  • Priority Hiring Placement

    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.

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.

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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