Sensodyne IDA Shining Star Scholarship Empowers Future Dental Professionals

INDIA: Haleon India has taken a significant step to empower talented students from marginalised communities pursuing a career in dentistry. 

In alignment with their ongoing corporate social responsibility initiatives, Haleon India has partnered with the Indian Dental Association (IDA) and Buddy4Study (B4S) to introduce the Sensodyne IDA Shining Star Scholarship program. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to underprivileged students pursuing their Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree.

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Supporting Dental Education

The Sensodyne IDA Shining Star Scholarship is designed to support meritorious underprivileged students across India who are in their first year of a 4-year BDS program in government and government-funded colleges. 

To be eligible, applicants must have achieved a minimum of 60% in their Higher Secondary Education and come from families with an annual income not exceeding INR 800,000 (US$9670) from all sources.

Selected students will receive financial assistance totalling INR 420,000 (US$5077) for the entire duration of their 4-year BDS program. This financial support aims to cover their academic and living expenses throughout their educational journey, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their pursuit of a dental education.

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Rigorous Selection Process

The scholarship program’s meticulous evaluation process will be conducted by Buddy4Study, in collaboration with the Indian Dental Association as the Knowledge Partner. The selection criteria include academic merit (60%) and an assessment of the applicant’s financial background. Shortlisted candidates will undergo telephonic interviews before the final list of scholarship recipients is prepared.

Launched in July 2022, this CSR initiative by Haleon India has already made a substantial impact. Last year, over 2000 students registered for the scholarship program, with 143 deserving students being selected. 

With the addition of 57 new scholarship slots this year, the Sensodyne IDA Shining Star Scholarship program continues its mission to bridge the gap in the dentist-to-population ratio in India, currently below the WHO standard of 1:7500 at 1:10,000.

Commitment to Better Healthcare

Ms. Shanu Saksena, CSR Head, Haleon India (GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare), emphasised the transformative power of education and expressed pride in opening 57 additional scholarship slots. Dr. Ashok Dhoble, Hon. Secretary General, Indian Dental Association, commended Haleon India’s commitment to supporting bright and deserving students, aligning with IDA’s vision of improving oral health and quality of life.

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