Recipients awarded new dental infection control scholarship

This year, 45 dental professionals received the ADS-DANB-DALE Foundation Andrew Whitehead Education and Certification Scholarship.

The scholarship provides infection prevention and control education and certification to individuals working in dentistry and removes financial barriers to help dental professionals access these important resources and credentials.

The scholarship was conceived by Andrew (Andy) Whitehead and his family who provided the initial funding, along with the support of both industry and the profession. Andy’s extensive time spent in dental leadership positions with Henry Schein, Patterson, and Crosstex first opened his eyes to the critical role dental team members play daily in impacting the practice’s bottom line and patient relationships. Those experiences lit the fire within Andy to create this scholarship opportunity.

The scholarship launched earlier this year through a collaboration between the Association for Dental Safety (ADS), formerly known as the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP); the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB); and the DALE Foundation, based on the organizations’ shared belief that every dental professional plays a pivotal role in ensuring safe and high-quality dental care.

Scholarship recipients receive the Dental Infection Prevention and Control Certificate and will have the certification exam fees covered to become Certified in Dental Infection Prevention and Control (CDIPC) or Dental Industry Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control (DISIPC) certified.

Scholarship recipients serve in a variety of positions in dentistry, including in dental assisting, dental hygiene, dental office management, and other dental roles. Most scholarship recipients work in clinical settings, with nearly one-third working in community or public health.

2024 Scholarship Recipients

Related: New scholarship promotes infection control education and certification

About Andrew Whitehead

Andrew “Andy” Whitehead has over 50 years of extensive experience in the dental profession. As a founding member of the Association for Dental Safety (ADS), formerly known as OSAP, he currently holds the position of Chief Engagement & Relationship Officer. Throughout his remarkable career, Andy has taken on various leadership roles, including interim Executive Director, Chairman of the ADS Association, and Chairman of the ADS Foundation.

His executive background includes serving in key positions with industry giants Patterson Dental, Henry Schein, and Crosstex. Andy has also contributed his expertise to the American Dental Assistants Association and Dental Trade Alliance Foundation Boards.

In addition to his professional commitments, Andy is actively involved with the America’s Dentists Cares Foundation Board. Notably, he is recognized for his fundraising and auctioneer skills, having raised over $3 million for ADS and other nonprofits within the dental industry. Andy’s dedication and multifaceted contributions have left a lasting impact on the dental community.

About ADS

The Association for Dental Safety (ADS), formerly known as OSAP, is the only nonprofit membership association for oral healthcare professionals that focuses exclusively on infection prevention and patient and provider safety. ADS’s mission is to be the leading provider of infection prevention and control education, training, and credentialing that supports safe dental visits.

About DANB

The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) as the national certification board for dental assistants. DANB’s mission is to promote the public good by providing credentialing services to the dental community.

About the DALE Foundation

The Dental Advancement through Learning and Education Foundation (the DALE Foundation) is the official DANB affiliate. The DALE Foundation’s mission is to benefit the public by providing quality education and conducting sound research to promote oral health.