The ODA Foundation is proud to have awarded more than $1.8 million in grants and scholarships since 1995 thanks to the generous support of our donors. Through grants and scholarships, the ODA Foundation helps decrease the cost of dental education for future dentists and increases access to dental care by supporting community oral health programs in Ohio.
Applications for Scholarships & Grants
ODAF Scholarships
Learn about and apply for scholarships through the ODA Foundation.
The 2026 scholarship application period is open.
ODAF Grants
Learn about available grants through the ODA Foundation.
The 2026 grant proposal period is open.
2025 Scholarship & Grant Awards
Foundation Scholarships
In 2025, nine scholarships were awarded to dental students.
The Foundation awarded four memorial scholarships:
- The Darryl Dever & David Owsiany Advocacy Scholarship is awarded annually to one dental student who embodies the advocacy spirit of Darryl Dever, the ODA’s longtime lobbyist.
- The Dr. E. Karl Schneider II Humanitarian Scholarship is awarded annually starting in 2017 to one dental student who shows the highest commitment to improving the community through his or her humanitarian efforts. Dr. Schneider was the ODA Foundation’s chairman when he passed away in 2017.
- The Dr. Kevin Laing Fund Scholarship is awarded to one student who comes from or intends to practice dentistry in a rural or underserved community.
- The Dr. James F. Mercer Leadership Scholarship is awarded to one student entering their fourth year of dental school at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry in recognition of his or her leadership and accomplishments during their first three years of dental school and in the community. The award is given to honor the legacy of Dr. Mercer, who passed away in 2002, and left a legacy of commitment and service to others, after serving patients, organized dentistry and his community for decades.
Foundation Grant Recipients
2025 access to care grants were awarded to organizations which improve access to dental care in Ohio.
Grants Awarded to:
- Care Alliance Health Center
- Columbus Clinic Host Group
- Halim Clinic
- MetroHealth Foundation
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital
- Ohio Hills Health Center
- Shawnee State University
- T-Town Smiles
Grants and Scholarships Awarded Over
$0
Since 1995
