Care Program Application

Community Access to Resources and Education (CARE) Program 

The CARE Program is a competitive leadership and scholarship program within the Division of Public Health Dentistry. The program supports Ohio dental students who have roots in underserved communities and an interest in improving access to oral health care.

Up to 10 students may be selected from each entering DDS class. Selection is based on a holistic review of each application, including an applicant's connection to an underserved Ohio community, interest in public health and access to care, leadership potential, and commitment to active participation in the CARE Program. 

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be enrolled as a DDS student at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry
  • Be classified as an Ohio resident
  • Demonstrate connections to an underserved Ohio community
  • Remain in good academic standing 

Application Deadline: November 13, 2026

Admitted D1 students only. Apply during Autumn semester.

Include area code.
Ohio Community
Please provide information about the Ohio community that you consider your hometown.
If you have lived in multiple underserved Ohio communities, please list additional communities and years of residency.
Please describe any activities, experiences, employment, volunteer work, or leadership roles that have helped shape your interest in service, community engagement, healthcare, or dentistry.
Dental Mentorship
If you have a dentist, healthcare professional, educator, employer, or community leader who has influenced your interest in dentistry, please provide their contact information. If you do not have a dental mentor, an OSU Dental Alumni member will be assigned to you. 
Supporting Documents
Please submit a letter (maximum two pages) addressing the following: Describe your connection to an underserved Ohio community. How has your community influenced your interest in dentistry? Why are you interested in participating in the CARE Program? What interests you about improving access to oral health care? How do you hope to contribute to the CARE learning community? How do you see yourself serving Ohio communities in the future?
One file only.
2 MB limit.
Allowed types: pdf.
100 MB limit per form.
Please submit one letter of support from a dentist, educator, employer, healthcare professional, community leader, or mentor who can speak to your character, leadership potential, commitment to service, or connection to your community.
One file only.
2 MB limit.
Allowed types: pdf.
100 MB limit per form.
Participation Commitment
The CARE Program is a leadership and scholarship program that includes educational activities, discussions, mentoring, and community engagement opportunities throughout the academic year. If selected, CARE students are expected to actively participate in program activities.