Dental Mission Scholarships
I'm Edna Abreu, also known as The Dental Culturist, leading Smile Scout's Practice Consulting Group. Since I started in dentistry as a dental assistant in high school, I've been passionate about dentistry's global potential to transform lives.
One of my earliest and most formative experiences was a pediatric dental mission to Guatemala. On this mission, I embraced my identity as The Dental Culturist—someone committed to nurturing and expanding the impact of dental care worldwide. This mission inspired our commitment to offering scholarships for dental missions, providing opportunities for dental professionals to apply and expand their skills in underserved areas globally.
I am passionate about cultivating dental professionals who prioritize community and patient care. Our scholarships for these missions are a vital part of this philosophy. They allow us to extend crucial services to those in need and give students and professionals a platform for growth and development in challenging environments.
Join us in making a tangible difference. Participate in our dental missions and leverage these scholarship opportunities to enhance your expertise and impact lives across borders. Together, we'll create meaningful changes and cultivate success, one smile at a time. 2025 marks our inaugural year for these scholarships, making it a historic opportunity to join us in this global effort.
Where will you want to go...
Why We Support Dental Missions
Participating in a dental mission provides students with unique skills and the chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. We believe this experience fosters professional growth, compassion, and a broader understanding of global healthcare challenges. With these scholarships, Smile Scout invests in students who are not only dedicated to service but also committed to improving healthcare access worldwide.
Scholarship Details
As part of our inaugural scholarship program, Smile Scout will provide partial financial support to six U.S.-based dental students selected for a summer 2025 mission trip. Each scholarship will help ease the financial burden of travel and mission costs, allowing students to focus fully on delivering impactful care. We will select recipients based on their commitment to service, academic achievements, and their vision for using their skills to benefit underserved communities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. dental school and demonstrate a strong commitment to community service. Priority will be given to students with previous volunteer experience, especially in healthcare or community settings, who express a sincere motivation for mission work.
How to Apply
To apply, students should submit a letter of interest detailing their goals for participating in a dental mission and how they envision this experience shaping their career in dentistry. Each applicant must also provide a letter of recommendation from a current professor. The selection committee will review applications, with our six inaugural scholarship recipients to be announced in spring 2025.
Join Us in Creating Lasting Smiles
Smile Scout is honored to support U.S. dental students in this first year of our Dental Mission Scholarships, helping them make a meaningful impact. By empowering future dentists, we contribute to a world where more people have access to essential dental care. We look forward to partnering with passionate students ready to spread smiles and inspire change through their skills and compassion.