Student Award Programs

The American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD) is proud to recognize the achievements of dental, dental hygiene, and dental public health students through three distinguished student award programs. These awards support the next generation of leaders in community and public health dentistry by recognizing excellence in service, scholarship, and research.

Student Merit Awards

The Student Merit Awards provide national recognition and cash prizes to predoctoral dental students, dental hygiene students, and graduate students/residents in dental public health for outstanding projects that demonstrate impact in community oral health.

Awardees will present their projects during the General Poster Session at the 2026 National Oral Health Conference® (NOHC) and be recognized at the AAPHD Annual Business Meeting on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

Each award category includes:

  • Eligibility: Senior or recently graduated students who completed a community-based or research project before graduation.
  • Submission Requirements: Online submission of an abstract, 20-page report, letter of nomination, IRB documentation (if applicable), and a cover page with contact information.
  • Evaluation Criteria: Originality, design, data quality, community impact, student leadership, and relevance to dental public health.
  • Awards: First ($500), Second ($200), and Third Place ($100) plus complimentary 2026 NOHC registration, AAPHD membership for 2026, electronic access for one year to the Journal of Public Health Dentistry (JPHD) and a print copy subscription of the JPHD for one year.

Categories:

  • Predoctoral Dental Student Merit Award
  • Dental Hygiene Student Merit Award
  • Leverett Graduate Student Merit Award

Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Student Recognition Awards in Community Dentistry

The Student Recognition Awards honor senior dental and dental hygiene students who have demonstrated a commitment to community service through impactful projects conducted in public health or community-based settings through a wide range of projects, service roles, advocacy efforts, or sustained community engagement. Projects may include (but are not limited to): 1) Community-based research or needs assessments, 2) Service-learning or outreach initiatives, 3) Public health education or advocacy, 4) Quality improvement or access-to-care projects or 5) Longitudinal volunteer or leadership efforts.

  • Eligibility: One senior student per accredited dental school and per dental hygiene program (baccalaureate-level only) in the U.S. and Canada.
  • Nomination Process: Each school may nominate one student who has completed a meaningful community-focused project or service initiative. Students are encouraged to share this opportunity with faculty or program directors that are familiar with their work.
  • Awards: Recipients will receive an electronic award certificate in a printable PDF format that will be presented at the school’s commencement or award ceremony, complimentary Membership with the American Association of Public Health Dentistry for one year, and a one-year electronic subscription to the Journal of Public Health Dentistry.

Categories:

  • Senior Dental Student Recognition Award for Achievement in Community Dentistry and Dental Public Health
  • Senior Dental Hygiene Student Recognition Award for Achievement in Community Dentistry and Dental Public Health

The site for nominations closes April 30, 2026. Early submissions are encouraged.

AAPHD Community Awards Submission Form