Oncology Certificate Scholarships Expand Oral Health Access
Nov 18, 2025Earlier this year, the National Network of Healthcare Hygienists (NNHH), with generous support from the Delta Dental Foundation, announced a scholarship opportunity for registered dental hygienists to enroll in our specialized Oncology Certificate Program. The response was incredible, and we are thrilled to see so many dedicated professionals enhancing their skills to support patients undergoing cancer treatment.
We are excited to announce that additional scholarships are available for 2026, with an emphasis on dental faculty and public health dental providers. This is a fantastic opportunity for those in Michigan, Indiana or Ohio who are passionate about passing their knowledge onto their students, and making a tangible difference in the lives of oncology patients.
The Oncology Certificate Program is designed to equip dental hygienists with the specialized knowledge and confidence to work effectively with cancer patients and as part of an interprofessional team. Dentists and dental therapists are also able to enroll.
"This scholarship gave me the opportunity to learn about the role of a dental hygienist in supporting cancer patients—not only in preventing and managing oral complications, but also in improving comfort and quality of life throughout treatment. Moving forward, I will be able to pass the knowledge I have gained to hygiene students where I teach and hopefully branch out into a hospital setting, helping to care for oncology patients."
Holly Reid, MPH, RDH, CH-ONC
"Receiving this scholarship has had an immediate beneficial impact on my clinical practice. The knowledge has made me more confident in treating patients throughout their cancer journey. I now understand timing is everything in cancer treatment and I know what questions to ask oncology nurses when I need to call to coordinate care. I am especially thankful for better understanding of patient labs and risks associated with implanted devices."
Alexandria Hardwick, RDH, CH-ONC
These testimonials highlight the transformative power of this program, bridging the gap between dental and oncology care and ultimately improving patient outcomes. As one of our certificate holders, Rebecka Clark, stated, "The dental community assumes oncology is handling oral care, and the oncology community assumes dentistry is handling oral care. That means there is a huge gap that is leading to poor quality of life, lowered outcomes and higher mortality rates. Once we know, we need to do better.”
Thank you Delta Dental Foundation of MI, OH, IN! Because of your generosity, thousands of people undergoing cancer treatment will have their comfort improved.
"Because of your generosity, I am now better equipped to provide care that improves the comfort and quality of life for patients undergoing cancer treatment, while also building bridges between dentistry and medicine. I am deeply grateful for your investment in my education and professional growth, and I will carry forward the impact of this support throughout my career."
Holly Reid, University of Detriot Mercy School of Dentistry
If you are a dental hygiene program faculty member, clinic instructor or public health hygienist in Michigan, Ohio or Indiana, apply for a full scholarship (valued at $749) HERE
View the curriculum, instructor bios, course descriptions and objectives HERE
