CARE Program Application Process

Welcome to the application process for the CARE (Commitment to Access Resources and Education) Program! The CARE Program is dedicated to supporting students who are committed to accepting Medicaid or providing services at a reduced rate for a minimum of 40 hours within a year after graduation. As part of this scholarship program, students engage in monthly activities with a public health focus. Successful applicants have the opportunity to receive $10,000 in scholarship funds annually for their committed extracurricular participation.

Current admitted Dental students who have a demonstrated commitment to serving in federally designated Dental Professional Shortage Area (DPSA) in the state of Ohio are invited to attend the information session to be held October 21, 2025. The application will be due November 7, 2025. Only 10 students will be admitted into the CARE Program for the 2025 – 2026 academic year. Priority will be given to the D-1 class, and will then be open to all Dental students from Ohio if remaining spots are available. 

Candidates who are accepted into the CARE program must meet the following requirements:

1.    *CARE Program Application: Candidates must apply to the CARE Program through the College of Dentistry's CARE Program application. 
2.    Letter of Intent: Candidates must submit a letter of intent that elaborates on one or more of the following topics:

  • The community in which they envision practicing ten years after graduation from dental school
  • Attributes of their hometown community that influenced their personal development
  • Aspects of their hometown that could be changed to benefit the community
  • Specific examples of their public service that benefited their hometown community
  • Experiences related to their childhood dentist/dental care that impacted their decision to become a dental professional

3.    Identify a dental mentor who currently works in a practice that supports access to care by accepting Medicaid, sliding fee scale, days of care for community access.
4.    Letter of support: Candidates must have a letter of support submitted on their behalf by a practicing dentist in one of Ohio's federally-designated Dental Professional Shortage Areas (DPSAs).
5.    Application materials: Non-electronic letters of intent, reference, and support should be submitted to the attention of:

Rachel Whisler, M.P.H.
Program Manager
whisler.32@osu.edu
614-247-8064

Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.