Recognizing Student Excellence
We’re committed to supporting graduating dental hygiene and dental assisting students with financial relief and early career opportunities that help them begin their future in practice with confidence.
Supporting students as they begin their careers in oral health
The Academic Excellence Award provides financial support and early career opportunities for graduating dental hygiene and dental assisting students. Recipients gain real-world experience, mentorship and a supported start as they move from school into practice.
This award program is part of our commitment through dc Giving to invest in emerging talent and help future clinicians build meaningful careers from day one.
Your path into practice starts here
You’ll gain meaningful support as you move from school into practice.
- Financial support toward your tuition
- A full-time, two-year contract at a Dentalcorp practice after you graduate
- Hands-on experience and mentorship from a supportive clinical team
- Development opportunities that help you grow your expertise and confidence
Students who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply.
- Final-year students in a Canadian dental hygiene or dental assisting program
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 and in good academic standing
- Meaningful extracurricular involvement that reflects Dentalcorp’s values
- Two reference letters from professors: current or within the last year, or if unavailable, a previous employer
- Ability to commit to a two-year full-time role at a Dentalcorp practice after graduation
Prepare your materials and submit a complete application online.
- Fill out the application questionnaire using your own words and experiences
- Upload proof of enrolment, GPA, and two reference letters
- Include your résumé if available (optional but encouraged)
- Submit all materials between January 5 and April 17
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What recipients receive
You’ll gain meaningful support as you move from school into practice.
- Financial support toward your tuition
- A full-time, two-year contract at a Dentalcorp practice after you graduate
- Hands-on experience and mentorship from a supportive clinical team
- Development opportunities that help you grow your expertise and confidence
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Who can apply
Students who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply.
- Final-year students in a Canadian dental hygiene or dental assisting program
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 and in good academic standing
- Meaningful extracurricular involvement that reflects Dentalcorp’s values
- Two reference letters from professors: current or within the last year, or if unavailable, a previous employer
- Ability to commit to a two-year full-time role at a Dentalcorp practice after graduation
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How to apply
Prepare your materials and submit a complete application online.
- Fill out the application questionnaire using your own words and experiences
- Upload proof of enrolment, GPA, and two reference letters
- Include your résumé if available (optional but encouraged)
- Submit all materials between January 5 and April 17
What you need to know
An overview of the tuition contribution included in the Academic Excellence Award and the important dates to keep in mind as you plan your application.
Tuition Support
3 dental hygiene recipients: $15,000 each
3 dental assisting recipients: $5,000 each
All recipients receive a full-time, two-year minimum contract at a Dentalcorp practice after graduation.
Key Dates for 2026
January 5: Applications open
April 17: Application deadline
May 23: Shortlisted candidates contacted
May 30: Recipients announced
Meet the 2025 Recipients
These students were recognized for their dedication to learning, patient care and the positive impact they’re already making in oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the award?
The award is a substantial contribution toward tuition costs for each designated program and includes a two-year full-time (32-40 hours/week) contract with a Dentalcorp practice following graduation.
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Who can apply?
Students in good standing at a Canadian institution, who are eligible to work in Canada, and in the final year of either a dental hygiene or dental assisting program.
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What do I need to apply?
You will need a copy of your school transcript, and two reference letters from current or recent (within the past year) professors, or if professors are not permitted to provide a reference you may use a current or past employer. Only online applications are accepted.
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What are the pertinent dates?
January 5: First day to submit applications
April 17: Last day to finalize and submit applications
May 23: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted
May 30: Winners of the award are contacted
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How are winners selected?
An internal panel headed by Dr. Gary Glassman will evaluate written and video responses to application questions, grade point average, extracurricular involvement, and reference letters.
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What is a shortlist?
The internal selection panel will select the top six submissions from each category to form a shortlist of leading candidates who will receive further consideration.
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Is my information secure?
The information collected during the application process will be held in confidence. We utilize emails to communicate relevant information to applicants. Applicants may opt out of communications at any time.
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What happens if I win?
Shortlisted applicants will be notified via the email address or phone number provided during the application process. Winners will be announced over a Zoom call. Dentalcorp will draw up an employment contract in consultation with the winner.
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How and when will winners be notified?
2026 winners will be notified in advance of the public announcement on the website and social media.
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How is the award payment distributed?
The payment will be equally distributed biweekly, over a 2-year period, beginning with the first pay cycle after the recipient's start date. This payment will be provided on top of their regular earnings.
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Are there other forms of support available beyond the Academic Excellence Award?
The Academic Excellence Award is assessed independently. Depending on eligibility and timing, winners may also be considered for other forms of support including tuition reimbursement and/or signing bonuses. Details are assessed separately and are not guaranteed. Please reach out to our team if you would like to learn more. Dentalcorp’s commitment is to support your transition from education into your career as fully as possible, and receiving one opportunity will not exclude you from others for which you qualify.
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What is the 2-year minimum contract at Dentalcorp?
The full-time 2-year contract (32–40 hours per week) represents the minimum commitment associated with receiving the award. Each contract is tailored to the individual winner to reflect their program, qualifications, location, experience, and career goals. Employment does not automatically end after two years, and winners may continue working with their practice beyond this period if it is a good fit.
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Can I use AI to assist with my application answers?
No. If AI-generated responses are included, the application will be excluded. Your answers must reflect your own voice and experiences.