The Foundation for Endodontics, in partnership with Dentsply Sirona, has announced the recipients of the 2025 Freedom Scholarship. The scholarship provides significant financial support to endodontic residents, addressing the growing concern of student debt among dental specialists.
Now in its second year, the Freedom Scholarship offers three $50,000 awards annually to residents enrolled in CODA-accredited endodontic programs in the United States or Canada. The 2025 recipients, announced at the American Association of Endodontists’ Advanced Programs in Clinical Endodontics Symposium (APICES) on August 15 in New Orleans, are:
- Dr. Anne Corso – Indiana University
- Dr. Madison Covington – Medical University of South Carolina
- Dr. Alexandra Herzog – University of Michigan
This year’s application cycle marked an expansion of the program’s eligibility criteria, with residents at any stage of their endodontic training able to apply, thus increasing access to the awards.
“On behalf of Dentsply Sirona, I’d like to congratulate Anne, Madison, and Alexandra on their well-earned scholarships,” said Bruce Peatey, Group Vice President of Americas Regional Commercial Organization at Dentsply Sirona. “Clinical education is a pillar of Dentsply Sirona’s mission and vision to transform dentistry and help dental professionals move forward with confidence. In this case, it means helping future dental professionals excel at their education so they can begin their careers with confidence and provide the very best patient care.”
According to the American Dental Association, the average dental school graduate carries approximately $300,000 in student loan debt. For specialists such as endodontists, the financial burden is often even greater. The Freedom Scholarship aims to alleviate some of these challenges, allowing recipients to focus more fully on their clinical education and professional development.
“We are incredibly proud to support these outstanding residents at such a pivotal time in their careers,” said Dr. Patricia Tordik, President of the Foundation for Endodontics. “Partnering with Dentsply Sirona to offer the Freedom Scholarship reflects our shared commitment to the future of endodontics. By reducing the financial barriers to advanced education, we’re not only supporting the academic journey of today’s residents—we’re strengthening the specialty for years to come.”
Key Features of the Foundation for Endodontics and Dentsply Sirona Freedom Scholarship include:
- Annual Awards: Three $50,000 scholarships are awarded each year to support endodontic residents.
- Use of Funds: Scholarship funds may be applied toward tuition, clinical courses, educational materials, equipment, and other training-related expenses.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be residents in a CODA-accredited endodontic program in the U.S. or Canada and hold either U.S. or Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
- Application Requirements: Submission materials include an online application form, personal statement, two letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, and tuition documentation.
Dentsply Sirona has pledged annual funding through 2028. The Foundation for Endodontics oversees the selection process and distribution of funds. Applications for the 2026 cycle will open on January 1, 2026. Dental educators and program directors are encouraged to share this opportunity with eligible residents.
For additional information about the Freedom Scholarship, visit the Foundation for Endodontics website.
