The CDA Foundation has established a scholarship in memory of Bettie Underwood to support dental assisting students in pursuit of their educational goals. Bettie Underwood left in her estate a wish to support students in the field of oral health, specifically dental assisting. Ms. Underwood was an outstanding leader in dental assisting in California and the nation. She served on the original AB1455 committee that paved the legislation for the Registered Dental Assistant in California and proudly proclaimed that once the legislation was enacted, she received RDA certificate #4. She was president of the Northern California Dental Assistants Association and a long-time member of the California Dental Assistants Teachers Association.

This scholarship provides up to $1,000 to a student enrolled in a California dental assisting program. Recipients are selected based on financial need, academic achievement and a strong desire for a career in the dental field.