The Michigan Dental Association Foundation awards scholarships annually to dental and dental hygiene students. We believe that the people of Michigan deserve exceptional dental health professionals. Your financial donation can help to make this happen.
MDA Foundation scholarships are all are need based funds. Need is determined by the FAFSA report. The scholarship application period for dental and dental hygiene students opens in Aug. 1 and concludes Aug. 31 of each year.
NOTE: Scholarship descriptions will be available beginning July 1.
John G. Nolen, DDS Scholarship
Completed applications must be submitted by Sept. 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. to qualify for consideration.
Eligibility:
- D3 students attending the University of Michigan.
- Open to U.S. citizens only.
- 3.2 GPA.
Additional qualifications:
- Having leadership experience on any type of organized activity.
- Interested in future leadership positions to promote dentistry.
George Bletsas, DDS Scholarship
Completed applications must be submitted by Sept. 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. to qualify for consideration.
Eligibility:
- D3 students attending the University of Detroit Mercy.
- Open to U.S. citizens only.
- 3.0 GPA.
Additional qualifications:
- Having leadership experience on any type of organized activity.
- Interested in future leadership positions to promote dentistry.
MDA Insurance & Financial Group Scholarship
Completed applications must be submitted by Sept. 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. to qualify for consideration.
Eligibility:
- D3 or D4 students attending the University of Michigan.
- Open to U.S. citizens only.
- 3.2 GPA.
Additional qualifications:
- Outstanding leadership qualities.
- Interests in giving back to the communities in which they reside.
William Schumann, DDS Scholarship
Completed applications must be submitted by Sept. 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. to qualify for consideration.
Eligibility:
- D3 or D4 students attending the University of Detroit Mercy.
- Open to U.S. citizens only.
- 3.2 GPA.
Additional qualifications:
- Outstanding leadership qualities.
- Interests in giving back to the communities in which they reside.
Genesee District Dental Society Scholarship
Completed applications must be submitted by Sept. 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. to qualify for consideration.
Eligibility:
- Dental and hygiene students from Genesee County; D3, D4 preferred; any level hygiene.
- Written 300-word essay explaining how this scholarship will help applicant attain educational goals.
- Open to U.S. citizens only.
- 3.2 GPA.
Additional qualifications:
- Leadership experience with interests in giving back through organized dentistry.
- Preference given to those students who will practice in Genesee County after graduating, but not required.
- D3 or D4 students preferred; any level hygiene student.
Dr. Ray Gist Student Leadership Scholarship
Completed applications must be submitted by Sept. 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. to qualify for consideration.
Eligibility:
- D3, D4 under-represented student populations attending the University of Michigan or the University of Detroit Mercy.
- D2 eligible only if D3 or D4 is not nominated.
- U.S. citizens a first priority, others welcome to apply.
- 3.0 GPA.
Additional qualifications:
- Open to all under- represented ethnicities.
- Award can be used as scholarship or for use at the annual NDA Meeting.
- Outstanding leadership qualities.
- Interest in giving back to the communities in which they reside.
The Christy Family Scholarship
Completed applications must be submitted by Sept. 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. to qualify for consideration.
Eligibility:
- D4 dental student attending the University of Detroit Mercy.
- Permanent Michigan residents.
- U.S. Citizens, permanent residents or equivalent.
- Plans to practice in Michigan in a “non-metro” area (rural area preferred).
Essay required: In 500 words, describe how you plan to best serve your Michigan community as a dental leader.
Additional qualifications:
- Represents a diverse background or non-traditional status.
- Demonstrated leadership in organized dentistry/community.
- Expresses interest in service/volunteerism involvement.
- Interest in growing leadership skills.
Washtenaw District Dental Society Scholarship
Completed applications must be submitted by Sept. 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. to qualify for consideration.
Eligibility:
- D4 student attending either the University of Michigan or University of Detroit Mercy.
- Must be Washtenaw County Resident.
- 3.2 GPA and in good standing with school.
Essay required: Include a 500-word personal statement as to why applicant qualifies and is applying for the scholarship.
Additional qualifications:
- Neighboring county eligible only if Washtenaw County residents are not nominated.
Dr. and Mrs. Gary Jeffers Scholarship Fund
Completed applications must be submitted by Sept. 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. to qualify for consideration.
Eligibility:
- D2 student or above in good standing attending dental school at the University of Detroit Mercy.
- Must have established record of involvement to organized dentistry.
- 3.4 GPA.
Essay required: Include a 500-word essay describing current involvement in organized dentistry and future plans.
Additional qualifications:
- Must have established record of involvement to organized dentistry.
- Must have a commitment to serving vulnerable populations.
Karen Burgess Scholarship Endowment
Completed applications must be submitted by Sept. 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. to qualify for consideration.
Eligibility:
Three awards/year to:
- D3 student attending the University of Michigan or University of Detroit Mercy.
- Up to $10,000
- 3.0 GPA or higher
- Lives in MI permanently and plans to practice here
Essay required: In 750 words or less, describe how you plan to best serve your Michigan community and practice culture sensitivity as a dental leader
Additional qualifications:
- Represents a diverse background or non-traditional status.
- Demonstrated leadership in organized dentistry/community.
- Expresses interest in service/volunteerism involvement.
- Interest in growing leadership skills.
MDAF Michigan Residential Scholarship Fund
Completed applications must be submitted by Sept. 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. to qualify for consideration.
Eligibility:
Three awards/year to:
- One University of Michigan D4 student or post-grad student (up to $6,000)
- One University of Detroit Mercy D4 student or post-grad student (up to $6,000)
- One 2nd year hygiene student (up to $2,500)
- 3.0 GPA or higher
- Already licensed or planning to be in Michigan
Essay required: In 750 words or less, explain your aspirations for your dental career in Michigan and in what ways you are pursuing leadership roles in your community
Additional qualifications:
- Excellent leader.
- Desire to give back to community.
- Interested in future leadership positions in dentistry.
- Evidence of service/volunteerism.