One of the best degrees to pursue is a dental hygienist degree, which can lead into one of the fastest growing careers in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Dental hygienist programs can be expensive, but many scholarships are available.
Fastest Growing Careers
According to the 2010-11 Occupational Handbook released by the BLS, careers in dental hygienics are expected to rise by 36 percent by 2018. Hygienists can expect to earn between $55,220 and $78,990 on average, but schooling is also expensive. The average baccalaurate's degree costs $40,207 per year. In order to help offset some of these costs, associations like the American Dental Association, the American Dental Hygienists' Association, and others have scholarships and grants available.
Hygienist Degree
The American Dental Association provides several different grants and scholarships to people studying for a hygienist degree. Information for all of the scholarships is available through the institution where the student is enrolled. Each institution select its two best applicants to send on to the ADA.
The scholarships offered are for between $1,000-$2,000. Students with a grade point average over 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, who are U.S. citizens, and who have secured two letters of recommendation can apply. Each scholarship selects between ten and 15 students to award the money.
Dental Hygienist Programs
The American Dental Hygienists' Association offers a General Scholarship Award to all students who are currently pursuing a hygienist degree. This is a merit-based grant and is worth up to $2,000. It is given to a maximum of 34 applicants each year. The minimum requirements are a 3.0 grade point average, completion of one year of school, and membership in the ADHA.
The ADHA also provides a research grant to all students worth between $1,000 and $5,000. Students interested in bettering oral health can apply, and the association awards about five grants per year.
Dental Hygienist Scholarships
Minority students and students of color enrolled in a dental hygienist program can apply for a scholarship through the National Dental Association Foundation that partners with Colgate-Palmolive. Awards range from $500 to $10,000 depending on how advanced the applicant is. Applicants must maintain a 3.5 grade point average.
The CDA Foundation also awards a grant that can help to repay all student loans for those pursuing a hygienist degree. In order to be eligible for the grant, students must have graduated with a degree in dental hygienics and must be out of school less than three years. The applicant must sign a binding agreement to work in an area of California that needs dental hygienists for three years or more, and agree to work for at least 30 hours per week. Applications are due August 15 each year. Applicants with more than $105,000 in debt can receive $35,000 per year for three years. Those applicants with less than $105,000 in debt have their loans paid in full.
Despite the expensive costs for school, there is much reason to enroll in a dental hygienist program. The pay, once graduated and certified, is great and there are plenty of scholarships available to help any student pay off debt.
References:
American Dental Association Scholarships
National Dental Association Foundation Scholarships
American Dental Hygienists Association Foundation Scholarships
CDA Foundation Grants and Scholarships
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