As the demand for dental assistants (DAs) continues to grow amid a national shortage, the Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship plays a critical role in helping aspiring DAs launch their careers. A recent report indicates that one-third of DAs are expected to retire within the next five years, intensifying the shortage and increasing the need for new talent in dental offices nationwide (ADA Health Policy Institute, 2022).
Recognizing this challenge, the PDS Foundation established the scholarship to ensure students receive the financial support necessary to complete their education. Named in honor of Carolyn Ghazal, DDS, a member of the PDS Foundation Board of Directors, the scholarship not only provides need-based financial aid but also mentorship and on-the-job training, with the goal of shaping passionate, servant-hearted leaders in the dental field.
“It's incredibly inspiring to witness each new class of dental assistants, knowing they will play an essential role in dental offices across the country,” said Dr. Ghazal. “With the current shortage of DAs, this scholarship helps build a pipeline of qualified professionals to meet growing demand and ensures these students are prepared for success in a rewarding career.”
Scholarships are awarded on a quarterly basis to help cover tuition costs, which often pose a barrier for students completing their certification. Applicants are evaluated based on financial need, career aspirations, commitment to service, and other criteria.
Since its establishment in 2016, the PDS Foundation has awarded over $1.7 million in financial assistance to support more than 300 students pursuing careers in the dental field.
“The PDS Foundation is proud to offer this scholarship and to support these remarkable students as they begin their journey toward becoming dental assistants,” said Michael Le, Executive Director of the PDS Foundation. “The Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship not only opens doors for students but also helps cultivate future leaders who will continue to shape and strengthen our industry.”
The next scholarship application deadline is Nov. 1, 2024. For more information or to apply, please visit pdsfoundation.org/programs/scholarships.
Students from the following accredited dental assistant programs across the U.S. were awarded the Fall 2024 Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship:
• American Career College, Ontario, Calif.
• Carrington College, Mesa, Ariz.
• Concorde Career College, Aurora, Colo.
• Concorde Career College, Miramar, Fla.
• Concorde Career College, San Antonio, Texas
• Concorde Career College, San Bernardino, Calif.
• Concorde Career College, Dallas, Texas
• Concorde Career College, Aurora, Colo.
• Concorde Career College, Portland, Ore.
• High Desert Medical College, Temecula, Calif.
• IBMC College, Fort Collins, Colo.
• Northwest Technical College, Bemidji, Minn.
• Phoenix College, Phoenix, Ariz.
• Pima Medical Institute, San Marcos, Calif.
• Pima Medical Institute, Renton, Wash.
• Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, N.M.
• UEI College, Garden Grove, Calif.
About Pacific Dental Services Foundation
The Pacific Dental Services® Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to improve overall health through opportunities to serve locally, nationally, and internationally. The PDS Foundation provides tools and resources to help build a lasting and sustainable impact on the communities it serves as well as on the volunteers who freely give their time. The vision of the PDS Foundation is a world where everyone has a heart to serve and a home for oral health. Through its three main programs: special needs dentistry, dental assistant scholarships and international service trips, the PDS Foundation has been able to increase access to oral healthcare for communities across the globe. For more information, visit pdsfoundation.org.
Pictured: A dental assistant student from UEI College in Garden Grove, CA proudly holds her Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship certificate, celebrating alongside her fellow students. The PDS Foundation has provided more than $1.7 million in scholarships since 2016. Photo: PDS Foundation
