Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Audacity to Dream Scholars Award
Forecasted
Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Audacity to Dream Scholars Award supports dental students through a merit scholarship recognizing scholarship, leadership, and service to advance dentistry and oral health equity.
Funder: National Dental Association Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $20,000 merit scholarship; one award annually
Summary: Recognizes dental students for academic excellence, scholarly engagement, leadership, and commitment to equity, mentorship, and service in dentistry.
Key Information: Active SNDA membership must remain in good standing throughout review and the award year.
Description
The National Dental Association Foundation’s Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Audacity to Dream Scholars Award is a merit scholarship recognizing dental students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, scholarly engagement, leadership, and commitment to diversity and mentorship. It honors Dr. Sinkford, an oral health educator, researcher, clinician, and advocate for equity who became the first woman to lead a U.S. dental school and founded the American Dental Education Association’s Center for Equity and Diversity.
The award recognizes research, publications, presentations, and other scholarly activities that advance dentistry. It also values professional engagement, mentorship, and service to improve oral health outcomes in underserved communities. These priorities reflect Dr. Sinkford’s work expanding opportunities within oral health professions, particularly for African Americans and others historically underrepresented.
