The Indigenous Student Bursary was instrumental in my transition into the dental hygiene profession. It helped cover
my
registration fees, allowing me to focus on kickstarting my career without the added financial stress. I am deeply
grateful for this support and excited for what lies ahead!
To support graduating Indigenous students, the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) has partnered
with
HuFriedyGroup to launch the Indigenous Student Bursary. The bursary will provide financial support to
Indigenous
students in the final year of their dental hygiene program graduating in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Canada’s colonial policies and practices have had, and continue to have, a devastating impact on Indigenous
peoples,
particularly with respect to education. As Canadians acknowledge that truth and continue their
reconciliation journey,
CDHA is joining many organizations in leading efforts to support Indigenous peoples and the ongoing work of
establishing
mutually respectful relationships. Our bursary initiative is Indigenous led and guided by Indigenous
cultures, values,
and voices.
What is the 2024 Indigenous Student Bursary?
The bursary will provide financial support to Indigenous students in the final year of their dental hygiene
program,
graduating between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025. CDHA recognizes the financial burden new
graduates face
(e.g., fees to write the National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination, regulatory authority
registration, and
professional association fees). To fund this bursary, CDHA is offering its members the opportunity to
purchase a limited-edition
HuFriedy EverEdge 204S sickle scaler with orange signature grips in support of their new Indigenous
colleagues.
How much is the bursary?
The bursary value will depend on the number of EverEdge 204S sickle scalers sold through CDHA and the number
of students
who apply for the bursary each year. The total amount of funds available will be divided equally among all
qualified
applicants.
What are the eligibility criteria for the bursary?
- CDHA student membership
CDHA student membership is FREE for students enrolled in an accredited
entry-level dental hygiene program in Canada.
Join now at www.cdha.ca/join
- Graduation date from an accredited Canadian dental hygiene program between September 1, 2024, and August
31, 2025
- Canadian citizenship
- Proof of Canadian Indigenous status
What is considered “proof of Indigenous status”?*
- Indian status card
- Provincial or federal Métis citizenship card
- Inuit beneficiary card
- Letter outlining your Indigenous ancestry, community/familial ties or kinship bonds
*An Indigenous-led advisory committee will oversee verification.
Will my application be confidential?
Your application will only be shared with the members of the Indigenous Student Bursary Advisory Committee
and the
selection committee.
When can I apply?
Applications will be accepted from September 1 to December 31, 2024, 11:59 pm ET.
How do I apply?
Complete the application form and submit it by email with your proof of Indigenous status to
Donna Wells at dwells@cdha.ca. Only email applications will be accepted.
When will I receive the bursary?
Disbursement of bursary funds will begin in January 2025. Qualified applicants must submit a copy of their
dental
hygiene diploma or their official transcript to CDHA prior to receiving the bursary.