ADA's First Nations and Rural grants now open for 2024

Equipping the next generation of dentists is a key focus of the ADA. This is particularly important when it comes to ensuring that there are sufficient members of the profession to work with First Nations people and in rural and remote regions, both of which are chronically underserved by healthcare professionals across the board.

Understanding how important it is to support those who wish to work in both environments, the ADA offers up these grants for people studying to become dentists.

Applications opened on Tuesday 2 January 2024 and close at close of business on Sunday 31 March 2024.

Please note: Grants are not available to students who have already been the recipient of two or more ADA study grants for dentist students.
 

ADA Grants for First Nations Dentist Students

This grant is designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who have demonstrated a commitment and desire to contribute to the dental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities after they graduate.

Five ADA First Nations Study Grants of $5,000 each are available in 2024.
 

ADA Grants for Rural and Remote Dentist Students

In 2024 there will be two categories of these grants:

a. Returning to Origins:
This grant is designed to support students who have come from rural or remote communities, and who have demonstrated a significant commitment and desire to return to work in rural and remote areas after they graduate.

Five ADA Returning to Origins Study Grants of $5,000 each are available in 2024.

b. Hardship:
This grant is designed to support students who are experiencing hardship regardless of their geographical background and have demonstrated a significant commitment and desire to work in rural and remote areas after they graduate.

Five ADA Hardship Study Grants of $5,000 each are available in 2024.

A past recipient of an ADA Rural & Remote Study Grant is David Bailey who was featured in the November 2021 edition of the News Bulletin.

According to Dave, from Mutchilba in Far North Queensland, the grant made an incredible difference for him particularly as his first child was born during his second year of study and he is running the family farm and commuting to James Cook University for placements.

“It’s taken the financial pressure off us. Full-time study, travelling, plus raising a newborn – which is hard in itself! I really want to thank ADA for having these grants. It means a lot, both in terms of financial support and the recognition of some of the challenges you might face in a rural or remote place.”

For full details about the ADA First Nations Grant, or either category of the ADA Rural & Remote Dental Students Grant, go to ADA Grants.

For more information about these or any of the ADA’s grant programs, please contact the ADA via email to contact@ada.org.au