In a dishwasher having a washing chamber capable of accommodating upper and lower racks, a detergent dispensing assembly includes a housing defining a compartment for receiving detergent. A lid is pivotally connected to the housing for selectively pivoting between closed and dispensing positions. A shield, which is spaced away from the lid, extends in front of the lid to ensure that an object within the washing chamber does not prevent the lid from freely moving between the closed and dispensing positions during a wash cycle.