The CDA Foundation is accepting applications through May 31 for the Webb Family Grant, which supports the education and training of dental professionals in California. Each year, the grant awards up to $5,000 to an eligible individual or institution to apply toward their educational expenses.
About the Webb Family Grant
Russell Webb, DDS, and Kathi Webb, founding contributors to the Foundation, are the inspiration for this award. Their commitment to building healthier communities through volunteerism began in their college days. The couple enjoys recalling that one of their first dates was volunteering together at a free clinic in the San Joaquin Valley.
“Helping others is why Kathi and I have dedicated our lives to dentistry,” Dr. Webb notes. The Foundation’s establishment of the Webb Family Grant recognizes the Webbs’ support for individuals and educational programs that demonstrate a commitment to volunteerism and generosity in the dental community.
When considering applications, the Foundation may give preference to individuals who have lived or worked in a Health Professional Shortage Area, have overcome the obstacles of a disadvantaged background or demonstrate an initiative to develop cultural and linguistic competencies reflecting one or more of California’s diverse socioeconomic or ethnic communities.
Individuals and educational programs are eligible for the grant provided they meet appropriate criteria.
Partial criteria for individuals include:
- Graduation from an accredited dental school, dental hygiene program or dental assisting program within the last three years (or positioned to do so in the next 6 months).
- Recipient of student loans from governmental and/or commercial lending institutions licensed to do business in the United States.
- Proof of employment with a licensed California dentist or proof of self-employment (dentists and RDHAPS only).
Eligibility for education program applicants include:
- Program is approved by the Dental Board of California, Dental Hygiene Board of California or the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
- A summary of the educational program including location, class sizes and coursework offered, provided by the applicant.
- An overview of how the grant money will be used in the program, including its impact to students, provided by the applicant.
You are encouraged to learn more about eligibility criteria and application guidelines before applying.
Past recipient shares impact of grant
Maria Augello, RDH, an honors graduate of the Shasta College Dental Hygiene program, received the Webb Family Grant in 2023. Augello currently works as hygienist in the cities of Redding and Red Bluff.
Augello explained the grant’s positive long-term impact, noting the awarded grant money was applied directly to the student loan needed to obtain her dental hygiene education and licensure.
“The awarded grant money will significantly lessen my financial burden of student loan debt and allow me to reach the long-awaited financial stability and security I have worked so hard to obtain sooner than I anticipated when I began my dental hygiene career goal,” she says. “In return, I can continue to reach my next goal, obtaining my bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene as I seek to advance my career with confidence, determination and ongoing education to better serve my patients.”
Augello offered her thanks to the CDA Foundation and the Webb family, stating, “While words cannot truly express the gratitude within my heart for this opportunity and experience, it is important for the CDA Foundation and members to know that this opportunity will continue to have a remarkable effect on my life and goals.”
Apply through May 31
The CDA Foundation accepts applications online for this grant from April 1–May 31. You can learn more about the Webb Family Grant and view a list of past recipients. The CDA Foundation’s mission is to improve the oral health of all Californians by supporting the dental profession in its efforts to meet community needs.