The grant helps underrepresented minorities pursue a dental career. It also addresses overall disparities in the oral healthcare system.

The Howard University College of Dentistry has accepted a new $500,000, 5-year grant from the United Concordia Dental Charitable Fund. The grant will be used to provide scholarships to currently enrolled and prospective dental students.

The charitable announcement came during the College of Dentistry’s Post-Doctoral Graduates Recognition Ceremony in June 2021. The gift was presented to the college by Roosevelt Allen,DDS, a Howard dentistry alumnus and retired two-star major general, who is vice president and dental director of United Concordia Dental’s Government Business Unit. “The goal of the grant is to help address the oral and overall health care needs of underserved communities,” said Allen, who also serves as a board member of the United Concordia Dental Charitable Fund. “The mission of the Howard University College of Dentistry is to support traditionally underrepresented minorities as they pursue careers in the dental profession.”

The United Concordia Dental Charitable Fund was established in early 2021 to ensure a diverse workforce and promote dental care for the uninsured and underinsured. Andrea D. Jackson, DDS, dean of the Howard University College of Dentistry, expressed gratitude to Allen and to United Concordia Dental Charitable Fund for the donation: “This contribution is greatly needed to assist dental students in navigating the tremendous educational debt incurred during their education to become healthcare providers in the dental profession and contribute to access to care for the underserved population,” said Jackson. “We are very appreciative of this wonderful gift.”