American Dental Hygienists' Association Institute Scholarship Program

Scholarship Sponsored by American Dental Hygienists' Association

Overview The ADHA Foundation offers a range of bachelor’s-level scholarships for students pursuing careers in dental hygiene. Below are the eligibility criteria, scholarship descriptions, award amounts, and application rules. Refer to each scholarship’s listing for any additional requirements. Eligibility (required for all scholarships) - Current member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA). - Enrolled in an accredited dental hygiene program in the United States. - Have completed at least one semester of a pre-dental hygiene or dental hygiene curriculum. - Not in the final year of the program (final-year students are not eligible because of the scholarship disbursement schedule). - Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, unless a specific scholarship lists a higher GPA requirement. - Current ADHA Board members and members of the Scholarship Review Committee are disqualified from applying. Scholarship Opportunities 1. Dr. Esther Wilkins Scholarship - Purpose: For students planning a career in dental hygiene education. - Requirements: Separate essay required. - Award minimum: $2,000 - Number of awards annually: varies 2. Crest Oral-B Laboratories Dental Hygiene Scholarship - Sponsor: Crest Oral-B - Purpose: For students pursuing a career in dental hygiene education. - Requirements: Separate essay required. - Award minimum: $1,000 - Number of awards annually: varies 3. Ann Battrell Pursuit of Excellence Scholarship - Sponsor: Paradise Dental Technologies - Purpose: For a baccalaureate-level student whose past, present, and planned actions show a strong commitment to advancing the dental hygiene profession. - Requirements: Additional essay required. - Minimum GPA: 3.5 - Award minimum: $2,500 - Number of awards annually: 1 4. Wilma E. Motley Undergraduate Scholarship - Purpose: For students pursuing a career in dental hygiene education. - Requirements: Additional essay required. - Minimum GPA: 4.0 - Award minimum: $1,000 - Number of awards annually: 1 5. HuFriedy Group / Esther Wilkins Instrument Scholarships - Sponsor: HuFriedy Group - Award: Winners receive HuFriedy dental hygiene instruments of their choice with a retail value totaling $1,000. - Number of awards annually: varies 6. Sensodyne Better Everyday Health Scholarship (new for 2025–2026) - Sponsor: Haleon - Purpose: For baccalaureate-level students dedicated to promoting long-term oral health by empowering people with everyday tools and knowledge. - Requirements: Additional essay and one letter of recommendation required. - Minimum GPA: 3.5 - Award minimum: $2,500 - Number of awards annually: 1 Application Instructions and Rules - All scholarship applications must be submitted through the ADHA Foundation’s designated application process and with the required forms; submissions sent by other means will not be considered. - Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility criteria listed above to be considered. - No late applications will be accepted. Deadline - Applications must be received by 12:00 p.m. Central Time on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Note: Check individual scholarship listings for any supplemental materials (essays, letters of recommendation) required for specific awards.