The PDS Foundation has granted over $1.4 million in scholarships since 2016.
The Pacific Dental Services® (PDS) Foundation proudly announces the Fall 2023 Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship recipients, a remarkable group of 18 dental assisting (DA) students who collectively received over $70,000 to help cover tuition expenses.
The scholarship comes at an important time in the dental industry. According to a recent report from the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute, the dental industry is currently experiencing a significant workforce shortage, with vacant dental assisting positions contributing to a 10 percent reduction in dental practice capacity nationwide. Moreover, financial hardship often prevents many enrolled DA students from finishing school.
Recognizing the importance of DAs to the future of dentistry, the PDS Foundation created this scholarship to provide students with the financial support they need to complete their education. Named after Carolyn Ghazal, DDS, a member of the PDS Foundation Board of Directors, this educational scholarship provides DA students with need-based financial aid, mentorship, on-the-job training, and aims to mold the next generation of passionate, servant-hearted dental leaders.
“As a member of the scholarship committee, meeting with applicants seeking these critical scholarships brings me immense satisfaction,” said Dr. Ghazal. “Through our commitment to empowering the upcoming generation of dental assistant students nationwide, this financial aid and comprehensive support will facilitate a clear path for students to pursue a fruitful, lifelong career in dental assisting.”
Scholarships are awarded on a quarterly basis to DA students to help cover tuition expenses. The Scholarship Review Committee awards scholarships based on applicants' financial need, heart for service, career aspirations, and other criteria.
Since its establishment in 2016, the PDS Foundation has granted over $1.4 million in scholarships to support the educational pursuits of over 230 students in the dental field.
Michael Le, Executive Director of the PDS Foundation, said, “Facilitating the development of dental assistants is a top priority, given their future leadership in oral health. It's important to remember that being a dental assistant is a journey, rather than a destination. We are honored to be part of their journey and committed to supporting them every step of the way.”
The application deadline for the next dental assistant scholarship is Nov. 1. To learn more or apply, please visit pdsfoundation.org/programs/scholarships.
Fall 2023 Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship Recipients:
| Student | Academic Institution | City, State |
| Faith Able | Milan Institute | Visalia, Calif. |
| Martha Baez | Concorde Career College | Kansas City, Mo. |
| Terrah Divens | UEI College | Riverside, Calif. |
| Ivy Escareno | UEI College | Gardena, Calif. |
| Ariana Espinoza | American Institute of Dental Assisting | Phoenix, Ariz. |
| Vrisa Piceno Espinoza | American Career College | Ontario, Calif. |
| Sophia Fair | Concorde Career College | Aurora, Colo. |
| Paulina Fernandez | UEI College | Tacoma, Wash. |
| Devyn Governale | Concorde Career College | Tampa, Fla. |
| Jasmin Sanchez Hernandez | Unitek College | Sacramento, Calif. |
| Karla Johnson | Chattanooga State Community College | Chattanooga, Tenn. |
| Vitaliya Mikayelyan | Carrington College | Sacramento, Calif. |
| Vanesa Morales | UEI College | Oceanside, Calif. |
| Mario Munoz | Concorde Career College | San Diego, Calif. |
| Victoria Orr | Concorde Career College | Grand Prairie Texas |
| Rayna Panzer | Milan Institute | Sparks, Nev. |
| Milena Vargas | The College of Healthcare Professions | Austin, Texas |
| Jeanine Weise | Herzing University | Minneapolis, Minn. |
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