Expanding access to quality oral health care across North Carolina is at the heart of our mission. Every year, we invest in organizations statewide through our grant programs that work to strengthen North Carolina dental schools, organizations, clinics, community colleges, and more. We partner with organizations that are improving access to oral health care through direct services, education, and preventative care.
Together, we’re building a healthier North Carolina one smile at a time.
Endowment Grants and the Dental Public Health Award
This program recognizes organizations across North Carolina with a gift of $1,500 or $5,000 that should be used to further the oral health needs across the state.
For both categories, nominees must have met one or more of the following objectives:
- Improved the oral health outcomes of children and/or adults (direct services)
- Improved access to dental services
- Collaborated with community partners to meet the community’s oral health needs
- Educated the public on the importance of preventative oral health practices
If your organization was a past recipient in 2025 in either category, you will need to wait two full years (until 2028) to apply in either category. A two-year waiting period applies to all previous recipients, regardless of which category they were funded under.
Fall Applications are due by Monday, August 31st by 5PM. Please email completed applications to Meredith Murphy, mmurphy@ncdental.org
*Spring 2027 grant opportunities coming soon.
The following grants have been made possible by a generous endowment from NC Services for Dentistry, whose dedication to improving access to oral health care continues to make a meaningful impact through their support of our work.
NC Dental Schools Community Oral Health Outreach Program Grants
These awards support community-based outreach programs by North Carolina dental schools and are designed to recognize and strengthen initiatives that serve marginalized and underserved populations.
Nominees must demonstrate one or more of the following:
- Improved the oral health outcomes of children and/or adults through direct services
- Increased access to dental services in underserved communities
- Collaboration with community partners to meet local oral health needs
- Public education on the importance of preventive oral health practices
Eligibility:
- Community outreach programs by NC dental schools
- Community education events or activities centered on oral health care
- Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged
Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Please send complete applications to Sharon D’costa, sdcosta@ncdental.org
Dental Auxiliary Faculty Retention and Recruitment Grants
This program is made possible with support from NC Services for Dentistry and support public institutions offering dental hygiene and dental assisting programs aimed at strengthening faculty recruitment and retention.
Through this grant opportunity, NCDSF seeks to:
- Retain experienced faculty through incentive or support programs
- Attracts new qualified faculty members
- Enhance teaching environments to promote long-term sustainability of dental assisting and dental hygiene education
- Public education on the importance of preventive oral health practices
Eligible applicants include:
- North Carolina community colleges or universities that operate accredited dental hygiene and/or dental assisting programs
- Programs that can demonstrate measurable faculty recruitment and/or retention needs
Eligible organizations must be invited to submit a proposal.