IRVINE, CALIF. December 16, 2025 – The PDS Health Foundation™ announced that the Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship program awarded $269,000 in tuition assistance to 56 aspiring dental assistants in 2025.
The average cost of a dental assistant (DA) education exceeds $27,000, making financing one of the most significant barriers to program completion. Many DA students balance family responsibilities or additional jobs while pursuing their education. The Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship program provides essential support to help bridge that gap.
“This scholarship program ensures students can finish their education and go on to serve as invaluable members of dental office teams, ultimately enabling better access to oral health care,” Dr. Ghazal said. “It’s especially rewarding to see the program help so many people launch their careers and create a stronger future for these students and for our industry.”
For recent recipient Shelby Cordova, the scholarship delivered a critical boost in both confidence and financial relief.
“I’m so grateful to the PDS Health Foundation for this scholarship. It takes away a huge financial burden and gives me the chance to focus fully on my training and my future,” she said. “It makes me feel seen, supported, and motivated to keep pushing forward.”
The dental industry continues to face a shortage of trained DAs, which contributes to higher recruitment costs for dental offices and limits access to care. The Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship program addresses this workforce gap while giving aspiring DAs the support and guidance to build long-term careers in oral health.
“This program isn’t just funding education, it’s shaping the future of the oral health workforce,” said Michael Le, Executive Director of the PDS Health Foundation. “Through $5,000 in quarterly scholarships and hands-on mentorship, we’re developing service-driven dental assistants who are stepping into leadership and expanding care nationwide.”
Founded in 2016, the program honors Dr. Carolyn Ghazal’s commitment to service and clinical excellence. It is designed to support DA students who demonstrate both academic promise and a desire to serve their communities. Over the last six years, 381 dental assistant students have received tuition assistance through the program.
To learn more about the PDS Health Foundation’s Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship program, visit pdshealthfoundation.org.
