CDHO Bursary for Indigenous Students in Dental Hygiene Programs

About this award

Get funding for your total educational costs and your national certification exam if you are an Indigenous student in an Ontario dental hygiene program — apply by August 1, November 1, or February 1.

The provider doesn't post a fixed dollar amount — contact College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO — the regulatory body for dental hygienists in Ontario) to confirm the value for your specific award before you apply. As a bursary, this money is yours to keep and does not have to be paid back. It is distributed in accordance with requested financial assistance to cover your total educational costs, such as enrollment fees, textbooks, and residence. Additionally, the CDHO will cover the cost for you to write the National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination (the final test needed to become a Registered Dental Hygienist in Ontario). This is for you if you identify as Indigenous and are pursuing a career in oral healthcare. You have three deadlines to choose from: August 1, November 1, and February 1. No notification timeline is posted publicly — before you start the application, check the CDHO program page or call their office to confirm when you will hear back about your status. Selection criteria aren't published — ask the CDHO how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask the CDHO during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with the CDHO whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Can you get it?

• ✓ Indigenous — citizenship requirement
• ✓ Post Secondary — study level
• ✓ Resident of ON — provincial eligibility
• ✓ Studying Dental Hygiene — field of study

How to apply

1. 1

   Review eligibility and gather your documents~1 hour

   Read the official award page end-to-end. Confirm you meet every requirement before you start.

2. 2

   Submit by August 1, 2026~1 hour

   Double-check every field, save a copy, and submit at least 24 hours early.

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