__In 1932, the NDHA was founded by African American Dental Hygienists’. In the 30’s, the goal was to unite the limited number of minority dental hygiene practitioners in the United States.

In 1962, the NDHA implemented a restructuring initiative designed to enhance the viability of theAssociation. The NDHA joined the National Dental Association in holding concurrent annual conventions. While the NDHA and the NDA still hold their annual conventions jointly, the NDHA functions as an autonomous organization. The NDHA board is comprised of five officers and five trustees who are elected by the ever growing general membership body.

Our Goals

• To improve the standard of quality while increasing accessibility to oral healthcare throughout the country
• To increase the number of African American/African descent dental hygienists
• To increase the delivery of dental hygiene service in communities previously underserved
• To provide scholarships for students demonstrating true financial need
• To promote the highest educational standards for the dental hygienist
• To provide mentoring for African American/African descent dental hygiene students
• To promote autonomous regulation of dental hygiene education, licensure, and practice
• To increase the membership base of the NDHA

Scholarship Categories
1st Year - Enrolled in first year of dental hygiene school
2nd Year - Enrolled in second year of dental hygiene school
Mary Hawkins - Student residing in the host state of the NDHA Convention each year and 1st or 2nd year (see above)
Non-Traditional - Student has completed a degree and returning/enrolled in hygiene school and 1st or 2nd year(see above)
Albreta Merritt - Student with next highest committee score. Applicant can be from any of above categories
                                      
                                                     Scholarship Submission Deadline: March 15, 2012

Scholarship Application