Removing the cost barrier from a career in dentistry
A 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to lowering the financial barriers facing tomorrow's dentists, hygienists, and oral healthcare providers.
Our Mission
To empower aspiring oral healthcare professionals by providing academic scholarships, financial assistance, and professional support to cultivate a diverse, highly skilled dental workforce.
A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable foundation providing tuition scholarships, merit grants, and emergency financial assistance to students pursuing careers in dentistry, dental hygiene, and allied oral healthcare disciplines.
At a Glance
- OrganizationDental Scholarships
- ServingAliso Viejo, California
- LocationAliso Viejo, CA 92656
Leadership
- Principal OfficerLynn Bugno
- Mailing Address14 Titian
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
United States
Dental Scholarships was established to address the escalating cost of higher education in healthcare, specifically targeting the severe student debt loads burdening dental students. Recognizing that high tuition costs discourage qualified individuals — particularly those from underrepresented and economically disadvantaged backgrounds — from entering the profession, the foundation was organized as a centralized philanthropic platform to aggregate private and corporate support. Since its inception, the foundation has expanded its reach from local scholarship awards to supporting candidates in accredited dental schools across the region, creating a sustainable ecosystem of philanthropic support for future healthcare leaders.
Our Vision
A future where every qualified and dedicated student can pursue a career in dentistry without the barrier of insurmountable educational debt.
Core Values
Educational equity, academic excellence, fiduciary stewardship, and professional integrity guide every award decision we make.
Educational Equity
Ensuring equal access to educational funding regardless of socio-economic background.
Academic Excellence
Recognizing and supporting high standards of scholastic achievement, clinical skill, and community service.
Fiduciary Stewardship
Managing public contributions and endowed funds with transparent, prudent governance.
Professional Integrity
Fostering ethical practice and service leadership among scholarship recipients.
Transparent Financial Stewardship — As a registered 501(c)(3) public charity, Dental Scholarships manages all donor gifts, foundation grants, and corporate contributions under rigorous financial reporting and board oversight standards, ensuring maximum impact directly supports student tuition.
Donor & Endowed Fund Management — We offer flexible philanthropic options, including endowed memorial scholarships, corporate workforce grants, and donor-advised contributions, to help donors leave a lasting legacy in oral health education.
Educational & Institutional Partnerships — We maintain active communication with dental school financial aid offices and admissions committees to identify high-need candidates and streamline award distributions.
Governance & Executive Leadership
Dental Scholarships is governed by a board of directors comprising educators, dental professionals, and community leaders.
Leadership & Committees
- Principal OfficerLynn Bugno — Executive Director, directing foundation governance, donor relations, and award selection committees.
- Scholarship Selection CommitteeAdvisory panel of academic faculty and practicing clinicians managing application reviews, candidate scoring, and grant allocations.
- Foundation Administrative Desk14 Titian, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 — managing accounting, scholarship disbursements, donor receipts, and organizational correspondence.
Get in touch
We're here to help. Reach out with any questions about Dental Scholarships, our programs, or your account.
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