Pediatric Dentist of Tomorrow Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by SmileReef.com
Introduction and Purpose
Dr. Jaren Jensen, pediatric dentist and founder of SmileReef, understands the financial strain of pursuing higher education—from undergraduate studies through dental school and specialty training. Scholarships played a meaningful role in Dr. Jensen’s journey. After earning his D.D.S. from Creighton University School of Dentistry and completing a Pediatric Dentistry specialty program at the University of Southern California, he wanted to create a way to support the next generation of dental professionals and give back to the community.
“Working with children’s dental needs is incredibly fulfilling. I hope to encourage others to follow their aspirations and become the dentists of tomorrow,” Dr. Jensen says.
Scholarship Overview
The Pediatric Dentist of Tomorrow Scholarship awards one student $500 each year to assist a candidate committed to entering the dental profession.
Essay Submission
Applicants must submit an original essay of 300 to 1,000 words. Essays should be written in English with proper spelling and grammar.
Suggested topics (applicants do not have to address all):
- Your passion for a career in dentistry and reasons for pursuing it
- Obstacles you have overcome while working toward this goal
- The type of dental professional you aim to become and why
- A memorable or meaningful story related to your dental interests
- Your 5–10 year professional goals within dentistry
- What receiving this scholarship would mean to you and how you plan to give back
Application Timeline
- Submission period opens: March 15, 2025 at 12:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time
- Submission period closes: March 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time
- Winners will be notified by email on or about April 15, 2026
How to Apply
Official entries must be submitted online through the Sponsor’s page at:
http://www.SmileReef.com/pediatric-dentist-of-tomorrow-scholarship/
(Entries sent by email, postal mail, or any other method will not be accepted.) Limit one submission per person. No edits or replacement drafts will be accepted after an essay has been submitted.
Note: For general questions, applicants may contact Vanessa at Vanessa@smilereef.com.
Eligibility
The contest is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years old at the time they enter and who are either currently enrolled in an accredited college, university, dental school, or specialty program, or who will be enrolled by March 1, 2026. Immediate family members (spouse, parents, siblings, children) and those living at the same address as any employee, officer, director, or agent of the Sponsor (and related companies) are not eligible. Void where prohibited.
Judging Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated primarily on creativity, clarity and specificity, and basic grammar. The selection committee seeks candidates who demonstrate a commitment to helping others and to contributing to the dental community—future dentists, pediatric dentists, or other dental professionals.
Privacy of Personal Information
SmileReef collects only the minimum personal information necessary to verify your entry and contact you if selected. Information will be used for internal purposes and will not be shared with third parties.
Winner Requirements and Supporting Documents
If chosen, the winner will be contacted and asked to provide the following:
1. Official high school or college transcript (one copy)
2. Signed Publicity/Liability Release
3. Signed Copyright Assignment
4. Completed IRS Form W-9
5. Copy of U.S. driver’s license
6. High-resolution headshot (JPEG or TIFF)
Award and Payment
The scholarship award is $500. Funds will be paid directly to the recipient’s college or university.
Additional Rules and Conditions
- Essays must be between 300 and 1,000 words. Submissions that are obscene, pornographic, libelous, or otherwise inappropriate will be disqualified.
- All entries become the property of the Sponsor and will not be returned.
- Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, or unreadable entries.
- By submitting an entry, entrants accept and agree to these Official Scholarship Rules and the Sponsor’s decisions, which are final and binding.
Sponsor
SmileReef.com
Contact
For more information, visit the scholarship page above or email Vanessa@smilereef.com.