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 program awards up to $5,000 to one eligible individual or institution to apply toward educational expenses.
Individuals are eligible for the grant if they graduated from an accredited dental school, dental hygiene program or dental assisting program in California within the last three years or are positioned to do so in the next six months.
Grant named for dedicated volunteers Dr. Russell Webb and Kathi Web
Launched in 2014, the award was named for Russell Webb, DDS, and Kathi Webb, founding contributors of the Foundation. The Webbs’ commitment to building healthier communities through volunteerism began in their college days with the couple recalling that on one of their first dates they volunteered 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 shares.
By establishing the grant in the Webb family name, the Foundation recognizes the pair’s support for individuals and educational programs that demonstrate a commitment to volunteerism and generosity in the dental community.
When reviewing applications, the Foundation may give preference to individuals who (1) have lived or worked in a Health Professional Shortage Area, (2) have overcome the obstacles of a disadvantaged background or (3) have developed cultural and linguistic competencies that reflect one or more diverse socioeconomic or ethnic communities in California.
Kelsey Sloane, DDS, recipient of the 2025 Webb Family Grant, received her degree from the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in 2022 and now serves the American Indian and Alaska Native communities of rural Humboldt and Del Norte counties through the United Indian Health Services. Biographies of all past grant recipients are on the application page.
Eligibility criteria for individuals and education programs
Individuals and educational programs are eligible for the grant if they meet the full criteria listed in the downloadable grant guidelines.
Partial eligibility criteria for individuals include:
- Graduated from an accredited dental school, dental hygiene program or dental assisting program within the last three years (or is positioned to do so in the next six months).
- Received student loans from governmental and/or commercial lending institutions licensed to do business in the United States.
- Provides 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.
- Provides a summary of the educational program.
- Provides an overview of how the grant money will be used in the program.
Read guidelines and apply by May 31
The Webb Family Grant guidelines cover award distribution, funding preferences, full eligibility criteria and the application process. Read the guidelines and apply online for the Webb Family Grant.
Other grants and awards supporting dental professionals
As the philanthropic arm of the California Dental Association, the CDA Foundation works to improve the oral and overall health of all Californians by supporting the dental profession’s efforts to meet community needs. One of the ways it does this is through annual grants and awards. In addition to the Webb Family Grant, the Foundation offers in 2026:
Awards:
- Arthur A. Dugoni Award (Jan. 1-April 17)
- Humanitarian Award (April 1-May 31)
- Public Health Leadership Award (April 1-May 31)
Grants:
- Dental School Wellness Grant (open until all funds are awarded)
- Dr. Gale Kloeffler Award (April 1-May 31)
- Dental Materials & Supplies Grant (paused in 2026)
Learn more about all Foundation grants and awards and how to apply.