Award Programs

The ADA Foundation (ADAF) award programs recognize and support promising oral health researchers, especially those who are working to expand access to quality dental care in underserved communities. 

These distinguished awards represent significant opportunities for career advancement in the oral health field. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit ADAF.org for detailed submission guidelines and to access the application portal visit here. (Please note that to apply for an award applicants will be taken to a third party website.)

The Dr. David Whiston Leadership Award: Application cycle will open Wednesday, April 30, 2025 and the deadline for submission is Monday, July 7, 2025. 

The Dr. David Whiston Leadership Award 

The Dr. David Whiston Leadership Award recognizes a promising leader who has demonstrated commitment to increasing access to oral health educational and employment opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their race, gender, or any other characteristics, and whose research excellence and leadership have made a substantial contribution to improving the oral health of the public. This award will provide $5,000 to a deserving individual to cover the costs of attending the ADA Leadership Institutes 2026-2027 program. Funds can also be put towards the costs of the Institute project. Applicant must be either a dental student, dentist, dentist pursuing graduate studies, dental resident enrolled in an accredited dental school education degree or certificate program, or an early-career dentist under the age of 40. Selection will be based on leadership skills that advance the dental profession through community engagement, service to the profession, and/or scientific advancement of oral public health. 

The Crest and Oral-B Promising Researcher Award: Application cycle will open Monday, June 23, 2025 and the deadline for submission is Friday, September 19, 2025. 

The Crest and Oral-B Promising Researcher Award 

The ADA Foundation Crest and Oral-B Promising Researcher Award promotes and recognizes excellence in oral health research. This annual award provides $5,000 to a promising researcher focused on preventive dentistry. Eligible candidates may be involved in basic, translational or clinical research. Award funds will enable the winning candidate to attend one or more scientific conferences to further their knowledge or skills or to present findings. Award funds can be used for expenses such as conference registration fees, travel expenses, meals and lodging. Degree candidates must conduct oral health research in preventive dentistry while enrolled in one of the following degree programs at an eligible institution: 

• D.D.S. or D.M.D. 
• D.D.S./D.M.D. and Ph.D. dual degree 
• Advanced Dental Education 
• Ph.D. or equivalent 
• M.P.H., M.S. or equivalent 
• Foreign equivalent

For questions about the Awards, contact Tracey Schilligo, Senior Manager, Philanthropic Programs and Operations at schilligot@ada.org or 312.440.2763.