Student Resources

While primarily a professional membership organization, the MDA is involved with a variety of services to the public, including information on dental-related careers; low-interest loans for dental students and dental hygiene students.

State Loan Repayment Program

Frequently Asked Questions about NHSC Loan Program

National Service Corps Loan Repayment Program

The Maine Dental Association Charitable Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2025 Alva S. Appleby Scholarship. This year, we are pleased to share that the scholarship has been expanded to include dental hygiene students, in addition to dental students. Information on the history of the scholarship, along with eligibility criteria and application procedures, can be found through the online application link below or in the PDF.

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:

• Be from the State of Maine;
• Be enrolled in a dental or dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or another American Dental Association–approved program; and
• Have successfully completed the first year of their program.

How to Apply

Students may complete the online application or submit a paper copy via email to Therese Cahill at tcahill@medental.org. In addition to the completed application form, please include the following to be considered:

• One personal reference
• Two dental/dental hygienist school instructor references
• A current school transcript
• A personal statement explaining your choice as a dental professional as a career and your future goals, stated in your own words and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or any other type of powered writing assistants.

All applications must be received by November 23, 2025.

Applications will be reviewed by the Trustees of the MDA Charitable Foundation, and recipients will be notified directly by the Maine Dental Association.

.PDF Application - 2025 Appleby Scholarship Application