The Pacific Dental Services (PDS) Foundation has awarded more than $60,000 in scholarships through its fall 2024 cycle of the Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship, assisting 17 aspiring dental assistants as they pursue their education.
As the need for dental assistants grows amid a national shortage, the scholarship could play a crucial role in helping new professionals enter the field. According to a recent report from the ADA Health Policy Institute, approximately one-third of dental assistants are expected to retire within the next 5 years, further intensifying the demand for qualified professionals.
In response to this challenge, the PDS Foundation created the Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship to provide essential financial support for students. Named after Carolyn Ghazal, DDS, a member of the PDS Foundation Board of Directors, the scholarship not only offers need-based financial aid, but also includes mentorship and on-the-job training—aiming to develop dedicated leaders in the dental profession.
“It’s incredibly inspiring to witness each new class of dental assistants, knowing they will play an essential role in dental offices across the country,” Dr. Ghazal stated. “With the current shortage, this scholarship helps build a pipeline of qualified professionals to meet growing demand and ensures these students are prepared for success in a rewarding career,” she highlighted.
Scholarships are awarded quarterly to alleviate tuition costs, which often hinder students from completing their certification. Applicants are assessed based on financial need, career aspirations, commitment to service, and other criteria.
Since its inception in 2016, the PDS Foundation has distributed over $1.7 million in financial assistance to over 300 students pursuing dental careers.
“The PDS Foundation is proud to support these remarkable students as they begin their journeys toward becoming dental assistants,” said Michael Le, Executive Director of the PDS Foundation. “The Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship not only opens doors for students, but also cultivates future leaders who will continue to shape our industry,” he continued.
The next application deadline for the scholarship is November 1, 2024. Interested candidates can find more information and apply at pdsfoundation.org.
The fall 2024 scholarship recipients hail from various accredited dental assistant programs across the United States, including institutions such as American Career College in Ontario, California; Carrington College in Mesa, Arizona; and multiple Concorde Career Colleges located in several states.
The Pacific Dental Services Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving overall health through community service, both locally and globally. With a vision for a world where everyone has access to oral health, the PDS Foundation focuses on special needs dentistry, dental assistant scholarships, and international service trips, significantly increasing access to oral healthcare worldwide.