The Robert T. Freeman Dental Society (RTFDS), the oldest chapter of the National Dental Association (NDA), has launched a massive scholarship campaign effort for dental students at Howard University College of Dentistry. Proceeds from the annual NDA Inauguration and Scholarship Gala will fund the scholarships. Consider this:
- Less than 5% of dentists in the US are African American
- Average dental student debt is $305,000; Black dentists report higher debt
- In 2018, fewer than 30% of African Americans over age 65 visited a dentists
- For those over 65, poor dental health is associated with lower quality of life
- Sixty-three percent of NDA members are active Medicaid providers compared to 30% of non-NDA members
- Only 50% of Medicaid eligible children receive dental care
- Over 60 million people live in areas with no access to dental care
- 10,000 more dentists are needed for underserved areas
Increasing the number of African American oral health professionals will increase access to quality care and accelerating the integration of medicine and dentistry will improve health outcomes in communities of color.
But the cost of attending Dental School is out of reach for many minority students.
Average 4-year in-state tuition costs for dental school residency in 2018/2019.
$49537
1st Year
$50234
2nd Year
$50586
3rd Year
$48212
4th Year
Our goal is to raise $250,000 towards the RTFDS scholarship fund to support Howard University dental students to reduce their student debt burden, and increase their ability to serve in communities where they are needed most.
Help us Reach our Goal!
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ABOUT HUCD
The College of Dentistry at Howard University was established in 1881. It is the fifth oldest dental school in the United States. As a teaching and patient care institution, the College has trained thousands of highly skilled dental professionals to serve their communities, particularly the under served.
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