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 of 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 their shared 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.
Eligibility requirements
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 approval 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.
Interested applicants are encouraged to carefully review eligibility criteria and application guidelines.
Past recipient is focused on minimizing health disparities
Sylvia Akar, DMD, MPH, a graduate of the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, received the Webb Family Grant in 2024. She returned to California to enter practice and currently serves patients at Moorpark’s Clinicas del Camino Real.
Akar’s childhood dream of becoming a dentist seemed almost impossible when war broke out in her home country of Lebanon and her family fled to safety. The Akar family arrived in the United States in 2006 and began rebuilding their lives. Three years later, the family’s peace was once again shattered when Akar’s father, the family’s primary breadwinner, died unexpectedly.
Despite many barriers, Akar drew motivation from the hardships of her youth. Her determination to elevate her own life circumstances extends to the greater community around her. “Early on in dental school, I realized that I wanted to be a public health dentist serving in low-income areas helping the people that need it the most in my community,” she shared.
While initially drawn to rural dentistry, a desire to be near her family led Akar to Ventura County in 2023. “I found a perfect fit at Clinicas del Camino,” she said. “Working here has been immensely rewarding. The community’s gratitude for the care we provide is palpable, and I find great satisfaction in making a meaningful impact on their health and well-being every day.”
Akar’s motivation to serve within the community and bring oral health to underserved populations embodies the spirit of the Webb Family Grant.
Apply through May 31
The CDA Foundation is accepting online applications for this grant until May 31, 2025. You can learn more about the Webb Family Grant and the recipients who are making a difference. Visit the Foundation webpage to discover additional Foundation grants and programs that improve the oral health of all Californians by supporting the dental profession in its efforts to meet community needs.