Announcing the Lawrence and Sally Cohen Endowed Scholarship Fund for Dental Hygiene
Thanks to the Benco Family Foundation, the DTA Foundation is proud to announce the creation of the Lawrence and Sally Cohen Endowed Scholarship Fund for Dental Hygiene, which aims to support dental hygiene students from underrepresented communities and backgrounds.
Their generous $1M Legacy gift is establishing an endowment supporting scholarships up to $10,000 every year to aspiring dental hygienists for years to come. Their leadership and generosity will perpetually benefit oral health care access and the dental workforce. The Benco Family Foundation has been a leader in addressing access to oral health care and its profession, supporting past initiatives such as the brand new UNCF partnered Dr. Robert Tanner Freeman Scholarship and Lessons in a Lunchbox.
“The Benco Family Foundation is pleased to announce we are honoring Benco leaders Larry and Sally Cohen by launching a very special scholarship for deserving students beginning their careers in dental hygiene. Our Foundation is making a $1 million dollar donation to establish the Lawrence and Sally Cohen Endowed Scholarship Fund to fully support underserved dental hygiene students and continue the critical growth of oral health. Thank you to the DTAF for helping make this scholarship to honor of the 120 combined years of tireless dedication, strong resilience and determination of Larry and Sally to Benco and to the health and success of dentistry” – Rebecca Binder, Executive Director of the Benco Family Foundation.
Dental hygienists are vital members of the dental team and are more often than not the trusted partner between the patient and the dental office, as they get more face time with the patients. As the US faces a shortage of dental hygienists, this scholarship aims to increase access to a dental hygiene career, especially for those that have historically lacked access to it.
“This dental hygiene scholarship in honor of Larry & Sally Cohen for underserved dental hygiene students will impact so many aspiring dental hygienists and oral health for years to come. Dental hygienists play a critical role towards increasing access to oral health care, especially for marginalized and underserved communities. We are proud to be a part of this exciting new initiative in partnership with the Benco Family Foundation and the 331 different dental hygiene programs across the nation.” – Sarah Miller, DTA Foundation Executive Director
In addition to the scholarship, Young Innovations has graciously agreed to include a complete line of preventative items for the student, along with a set of scrubs and a $500 Gift card for school supplies. Outside of tuition, dental hygienists are usually also asked to provide their own supplies and uniforms. This additional support will further setup the Lawrence and Sally Cohen Dental Hygiene Scholarship winner for success.
“Young Innovations strives to deliver on its mission, Creating Smiles, Creating Possibilities, for our customers, our business partners and ultimately the patients who benefit from them. Through focused excellence and the ability to expertly innovate and create, we’re revolutionizing the dental profession one new product at a time. It is truly our pleasure to support this initiative and the future of the dental hygiene community. We are thrilled to partner with the DTAF and help a deserving future Registered Dental Hygienist succeed.” – Nichol Schreiber, Director, Global Clinical Relations for Young Innovations
If you are interested in also supporting this endeavor, contact Sarah Miller, Executive Director, at sarahmiller@dentaltradealliance.org or (703) 379-7755.
About Dental Trade Alliance Foundation
The DTA Foundation’s mission is to increase access to and utilization of oral health care by broadening literacy of oral health’s impact on overall health. Its vision is a healthy smile for all. The DTA Foundation works to achieve this mission through its partnerships, grants, and scholarships programs. Find out more about DTA Foundation at www.dtafoundation.org.
About Benco Family Foundation
The Benco Family Foundation supports solutions for oral health or community issues that are innovative, sustainable, measurable, and impactful and that drive community change and improve the lives of people.
About Young Innovations
Young Innovations continues to build on its rich legacy of manufacturing and supplying high-quality products designed to improve the clinical experience for dental professionals and patients. We believe in creating smiles and creating possibilities and will continue to make history doing so!