Convention Awards Honoring Excellence in Dentistry & Service
Recognizing the professionals, leaders, and changemakers who advance oral health equity and shape the future of our communities.
2026 Convention Award Recipients
To be honored at the 113th National Convention · Richmond, Virginia · July 16–19
Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Faculty Forum
Thursday, July 16 — 12:00 PM
Chairman's Awards — Opening Session
Thursday, July 16 — 6:00 PM
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Social Justice Breakfast
Friday, July 17 — 7:00 AM
Women's Health Symposium Awards Luncheon
Saturday, July 18 — 11:30 AM
NDA Awards Gala
Saturday, July 18 — 7:00 PM
President's "Architects of Change" Awards
Saturday, July 18 — 7:00 PM
Award Categories
Recognizing extraordinary contributions across dentistry, leadership, community impact, and social justice.
Legacy Award
Discretion of NDA leadership — recommended every 3 years
One of the Association's highest honors recognizing lifetime achievements creating lasting, transformative impact on the NDA and communities we serve.
- 20+ years of distinguished service
- Transformational systems, access, or policy impact
- Senior NDA or allied org leadership
- Mentorship and pipeline development
Trailblazer Award
Discretion of NDA leadership — recommended every 3 years
Honors a pioneering leader who has broken barriers, created new pathways, and driven bold innovation advancing the NDA mission.
- Barrier-breaking firsts and historic achievements
- New programs, models, or care delivery systems
- Cultural, educational, or legislative shifts
- Trajectory of continued transformative leadership
Torch Bearer Award New
Annual
Honors transition from SNDA to NDA leadership — celebrating members who carried their student commitment into professional service and continued to lead within the Association.
- SNDA leadership service
- Active NDA membership (2 consecutive years)
- Current or recent NDA leadership role
- ≥2 years post-DDS/DMD
Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Faculty and Research Forum
The National Dental Association Foundation (NDAF) and Colgate Palmolive invite you to participate in the Faculty Recognition Awards Competition. The awards represent recognition of individuals whose actions produce a balance between dental educators and dental practitioners through joint efforts of the National Dental Association and the American Dental Education Association.
Faculty Recognition Award for Research
Annual — NDAF & Colgate Palmolive
- Ongoing research
- Publications
- Promotion of research for students and colleagues
- Presentations at scientific/professional meetings
Faculty Recognition Award for Teaching
Annual — NDAF & Colgate Palmolive
- Teaching effectiveness
- Personal interactions with students
- Time in service, tenure, etc.
Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Emerging Leader Awards New
Annual · Up to 10 Honorees
Recognizes NDA members with 1–7 years of teaching whose leadership advances oral health equity, professional excellence, and service to underserved communities.
- Active NDA membership
- ≥2 years post-DDS/DMD
- Presented during Opening Session / Plenary
Women's Health Symposium Awards
Recognizing women and organizations whose leadership, courage, and vision are transforming health equity and advancing the mission of the NDA.
Phenomenal Leadership Award
Male/Female
Distinguished professional accomplishments, visionary leadership, measurable outcomes, mentoring future leaders, and high ethical standards.
Phenomenal Corporate Award
Organizations, Male/Female Led
Organizations advancing health and wellness through community engagement, DEI policies, sustainable philanthropy, and documented impact.
Phenomenal Woman of Courage Award
Female
Women who have overcome significant challenges with bravery, resilience, and advocacy — turning personal trials into community impact.
Phenomenal Community Impact Award
Male/Female
Sustained community service leadership in healthcare access, health literacy, education, and service to underserved populations.
Phenomenal Woman Visionary / Vanguard Award
Female
Barrier-breaking achievement, forward-thinking innovation, industry transformation, and advancement of representation.
Social Justice Awards
Honoring bold advocates whose leadership at the intersection of dentistry and justice has driven lasting systemic change in our communities.
Dr. C.O. Simpkins Social Justice Award
Annual
Extraordinary leadership advancing social justice, health equity, and systemic change. Requires 5+ years of commitment and community outreach.
Drum Major for Justice Award
Annual
Bold leadership at the forefront of social change — using voice, platform, and influence to champion justice and mobilize communities.
Emerging Leader in Humanitarianism & Community Impact
Honors a member whose service to underserved communities through volunteerism, outreach programs, or humanitarian efforts exemplifies the NDA's commitment to oral health equity.
Emerging Leader in Social Justice & Civic Engagement
Celebrates a member who is using their voice and platform to advocate for systemic change, health policy reform, and justice within dentistry and the broader community.
Emerging Leader in Health Equity & Advocacy
Recognizes a member actively working to eliminate oral health disparities through research, policy, community engagement, or direct patient care in underserved populations.
Emerging Leader in Mentorship & Youth Development
Honors a member dedicated to investing in the next generation — through pipeline programs, student mentorship, or youth outreach that strengthens the future of the dental profession.
Emerging Leader in Local Society Impact
Celebrates a member whose active engagement within their local NDA component society has strengthened organizational capacity, member engagement, and community presence.
2025 Convention Award Recipients
112th National Convention · Kansas City, Missouri
Minority Faculty, Administrators & Practitioners Awards
Thursday, July 10th
Convention Co-Chairs
112th Convention — Kansas CityPresident's Gala
Friday, July 11thWomen's Health Symposium Awards Luncheon
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Social Justice Luncheon Awards
Sunday, July 13th
40 Under 40 Honorees
112th Convention — Kansas City
Nominate for the 113th Convention
Help us recognize the individuals making an impact in oral health equity across our communities.
Senator Angela Alsobrooks
Senator Cory Booker
Congressman Lloyd Doggett
Congressman Mike Simpson
Dr. Marvellous Akinlotan
Dr. LaQuia Walker Vinson
Dr. Daniel Young
Mrs. Diane Scott
Dr. Bryant Jones
Tim Kitch
Dr. Matilde Hernandez
Dr. Steven Chan
Dr. John Maupin
Ms. Barbara Selden
Dr. Nate Fletcher
Dr. Jaha Howard
Gary L. Flowers
Dr. Tawana Ware
Amy J. Kitch
Senator L. Louise Lucas
Dr. Donna Grant-Mills
Dr. Wakeshi L. Benson
Dr. Randy Adams
Dr. Carlos Smith
Dr. Camesia Matthews
Dr. Emma Guzman
Dr. Josh Golden
Dr. Laila Hishaw
Dr. Jeanette Sabir-Holloway
Dr. Larry Dunham
Dr. Madeline Anderson-Thomas
Phillip "Doc" Martin