Irvine, Calif.-based Pacific Dental Services Foundation recently gave $80,000 in scholarships to 17 dental assisting students.
The funds were a part of the DSO's Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship, which provides students with financial aid, mentorship and on-the-job training, Pacific Dental said in a March 16 press release.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of dental assistants will grow 11 percent by 2030. The DSO said it recognizes how dental education debt can prevent students from finishing school and created the scholarship program to provide tuition assistance and support so students can complete their education.
The scholarships were awarded to students nationwide in Florida, California, Oregon, Virginia, Georgia, Nevada, Louisiana, Nevada, Tennessee, Washington and Colorado.