Recognition Awards at Annual Session
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The Heber Simmons Jr. Distinguished Service Award is the most prestigious award given by the AAPD. Presented only when the AAPD Board of Trustees identifies a truly worthy recipient, the award recognizes individuals who have made a major contribution, on a national or international level, over their entire career to advocacy for children, improvement of children's health or to a health profession related to children. The Miller Foundation supports this award.
Past Recipients
1983 Marion Wright Edelman
1985 John Walsh
1992 Dr. Daniel F. Whiteside
1994 Dr. Heber Simmons, Jr.
1995 Dr. Morris Green
1996 Dr. David C. Johnsen
1998 Dr. H. Raymond Klein
1999 Dr. Jerome B. Miller
2000 Ms. Ann Page Griffin
2001 Dr. Arthur J. Nowak
2002 Dr. Paul S. Casamassimo
2003 Dr. Jasper L. Lewis
2004 Dr. John A. Bogert
2007 Dr. David K. Curtis
2008 Dr. Jim Crall
2010 Dr. Charlie Hall
2011 Dr. Lewis A. Kay
2013 Dr. Anna B. Fuks
2014 Dr. Paul A. Kennedy, Jr.
2016 Dr. Dennis J. McTigue
2017 Dr. Paul A. Reggiardo
2018 Dr. Neophytos (Ned) Savide
2019 Dr. N. Sue Seale Coll
2021 Dr. Reneida E. Reyes
2023 Dr. Kevin Donly
2024 Dr. John Liu
2026 Dr. John S. RutkauskasIf you have questions about this award, please contact Executive Office Assistant Lisa Gunderson at (773) 916-3217 or lgunderson@aapd.org.
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Established in 1998, this annual award honors a pediatric dentist who has made significant contributions to the dental profession and the specialty of pediatric dentistry through clinical practice, academics or policy development over the past year. Recipients will also have devoted extensive volunteer leadership service to the dental profession and the specialty. Current board of trustee members are ineligible to receive this award in the years in which they serve as trustees. Nominees are solicited from the membership and considered by the AAPD Awards Committee, which shall make the final selection. NuSmile Pediatric Crowns sponsors this award.
Past Recipients
1998 Dr. Burton L. Edelstein
1999 Dr. William F. Vann, Jr.
2000 Dr. Charles Poland, III
2001 Dr. N. Sue Seale
2002 Dr. Steven P. Perlman
2003 Dr. Kevin J. Donly
2004 Dr. Paul A. Kennedy, Jr. and Dr. Jerome B. Miller
2005 Dr. James J. Crall
2006 Dr. Neva Penton Eklund
2007 Dr. Stephen Wilson
2008 Dr. Jenny Stigers
2009 Dr. Warren A. Brill
2010 Dr. Joanna Douglass and Dr. Cliffford Hartman
2011 Dr. Jessica Y. Lee
2012 Dr. Paul S. Casamassimo
2013 Dr. John R. Liu
2014 Dr. Beverly A. Largent
2015 Dr. Paul A. Reggiardo
2016 Dr. Joel H. Berg
2017 Dr. Sarat Thikkurissy
2018 Dr. Donald Chi
2019 Dr. Jade Miller
2020 Dr. Oariona Lowe
2021 Dr. Heber Simmons, Jr.
2022 Dr. Joseph B. Castellano
2023 Dr. Jessica Meeske
2024 Dr. Charles L. Czerepak
2025 Dr. Natalie Chalmers
2026 Dr. Homa AminiDownload the nomination form here. Nominations for the 2026 award must be submitted before January 1, 2026.
If you have questions about this award, please contact Tim Huggenberger at (773) 938-4378 or thuggenberger@aapd.org.
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The Jerome B. Miller For the Kids Award was established in May 2007 by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Foundation to honor the lifetime work of former Academy and Foundation President Dr. Jerome B. Miller for his many years of service to children, philanthropy, and giving back to the profession of pediatric dentistry. The award today is made possible thanks to the generosity of Jerry’s friend and colleague, Dr. Neal Benham.
One award is presented annually to an up-and-coming clinician, researcher or academician in pediatric dentistry for their outstanding efforts directed to children's oral health and welfare. The recipient receives a $5,000 cash award, a commemorative plaque, and a $4,000 contribution made in their name to the AAPD Foundation Endowment Fund for Child Oral Health.
The award is presented each May during the AAPD Annual Session.
Individuals applying or being nominated for this award must: 1) be 45 years of age or younger; 2) be a current member of the AAPD; 3) possess experience in domestic or international community or humanitarian service; 4) serve or have served in a local, state, or national dental association; and 5) be considered a “rising star” with leadership potential in the Academy and Foundation.
Nominees are solicited from the membership and considered by the AAPD Awards Committee, which shall make the final selection.
Past Recipients
2008 Dr. Jessica Lee
2009 Dr. James D. Nickman
2010 Dr. Homa Amini
2011 Dr. Tegwyn H. Brickhouse
2012 Dr. Paul A. Kennedy III
2013 Dr. Sara L. Filstrup
2014 Dr. Anupama R. Tate
2015 Dr. Janice Townsend
2016 Dr. Donald Chi
2017 Dr. Vineet Dhar
2018 Dr. Courtney Chinn
2019 Dr. Travis Nelson
2020 Dr. Anthea Drew Mazzawi
2021 Dr. David Avenetti
2022 Dr. Colleen Collins Greene
2023 Dr. Matt Geneser
2024 Dr. Brittaney Hill
2025 Dr. Brianna MuñozDownload the nomination form here. Nominations for the 2026 award must be submitted before January 1, 2026.
If you have questions about this award, please contact Tim Huggenberger at (773) 938-4378 or thuggenberger@aapd.org.
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Established in 1998, this annual award honors the memory of Ms. Merle C. Hunter, AAPD executive director from 1968-1986, and is presented to an AAPD volunteer who has provided exemplary leadership service in the volunteer structure of the organization over the past year. The recipient is selected by the AAPD Executive Committee from nominees proposed by the membership.
Past Recipients
1998 Dr. William D. Berlocher
1999 Dr. Keith R. Morley
2000 Dr. Paul A. Reggiardo
2001 Dr. Joseph C. Creech, Jr.
2002 Dr. N. Sue Seale
2003 Dr. Edward H. Moody, Jr.
2004 Dr. Jenny Ison Stigers
2005 Dr. A. Charles Post
2006 Dr. Paul S. Casamassimo
2007 Dr. Kevin J. Donly
2008 Dr. Rick Chaet
2009 Dr. Michael A. Ignelzi Jr.
2010 Dr. Hannelore Loevy
2011 Dr. Paul Nick Rogers
2012 Dr. Joseph B. Castellano
2013 Dr. Scott W. Cashion
2014 Dr. Amr M. Moursi
2015 Dr. Sara Filstrup
2016 Dr. David A. Tesini
2017 Dr. Anupama Rao Tate
2018 Dr. Edward L. Rick
2019 Dr. Norman Tinanoff
2020 Dr. Kerry Maguire
2021 Dr. Jade Miller
2022 Dr. Jessica Y. Lee
2023 Dr. Angela Stout
2024 Dr. Jacob K. Lee
2025 Dr. Sarat “Bobby” Thikkurissy
2026 Dr. Jessica RobertsonDownload the nomination form here. Nominations for the 2026 award must be submitted before January 1, 2026.
If you have questions about this award, please contact Tim Huggenberger at (773) 938-4378 or thuggenberger@aapd.org.
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Established in 1997, this award is presented annually to the individual or organization that has made the greatest contribution to the oral health of children with special needs. The award honors AAPD member Manuel M. Album, who devoted an entire career in pediatric dentistry toward improving the oral health of children with special needs. Nominees are solicited from the membership and considered by the AAPD Awards Committee, which shall make the final selection.
Past Recipients
1997 Dr. Robert S. Runzo
1998 Dr. Steven P. Perlman
1999 Academy of Dentistry for Persons With Disabilities
2000 Dr. Norman Levine
2001 Dr. F. Thomas McIver
2002 Dr. Sanford J. Fenton
2003 Dr. Burton L. Nussbaum
2004 Dr. Fred S. Ferguson
2005 Dr. Theodore C. Levitas
2006 Dr. Arthur J. Nowak
2007 Dr. Paul S. Casamassimo
2008 Dr. Lew Kay
2009 Dr. Dennis J. McTigue
2010 Dr. David Tesini
2011 Dr. John B. Thornton Jr.
2012 Dr. Edward L. Rick
2013 Dr. Sheldon M. Bernick
2014 Dr. John A. Hendry
2015 Dr. Bud Conklin
2016 Dr. Lisa Jacob
2017 Dr. Timothy Wright
2018 Dr. Janice Jackson
2019 Dr. Richard Mungo
2020 Dr. Jessica R. Webb
2021 NYU Dentistry Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities
2022 University of Pennsylvania, Dental Medicine, Care Center for Persons with Disabilities
2023 Mary Kaye Richter (awarded posthumously)
2024 Dr. E LaRee Johnson
2025 Dr. Martha ForeroDownload the nomination form here. Nominations for the 2026 award must be submitted before January 1, 2026.
If you have questions about this award, please contact Executive Office Assistant Lisa Gunderson at (773) 916-3217 or lgunderson@aapd.org.
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The Ann Page Griffin Humanitarian Award is sponsored by Practicon, Inc. This award, established in May 2010 by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Foundation, honors Ann Page Griffin, AAPD member and president and founder of Practicon. The award honors an AAPD member dentist who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to alleviating suffering and improving the oral health of under-served populations in the United States or abroad.
With the Ann Page Griffin Humanitarian Award, the humanitarian works of an AAPD member will be highlighted, not only to thank him or her for significant contributions to improving children's dental health but also to inspire us all to make a difference in our world through this profession of which we are so blessed to be a part.
Candidates for the Ann Page Griffin Humanitarian Award may be nominated by any past or present member in good standing with the AAPD. Nominees will be considered by the AAPD Awards Committee, in conjunction with Practicon. In the event that there is not a qualified applicant in a given year, members of the selection committee will not be required to present the award in that year.
Past Recipients
2011 Dr. Heber Simmons Jr.
2013 Dr. Jerome B. Miller
2016 Rear Admiral Dr. Elaine Wagner
2019 Dr. Steven Perlman
2021 Dr. Kevin J. Donly
2022 Dr. Thomas R. Stark
2024 Dr. David Ciesla
2025 Dr. Sahar AlrayyesNominations must include a fully completed nomination form; the nominee's C.V.; two letters of recommendation and support, one from the nominator and one from an AAPD member in good standing; photographs, clippings, and testimonials may be included.
Download the nomination form here. Nominations for the 2026 award must be submitted before January 1, 2026.
If you have questions about this award, please contact Tim Huggenberger at (773) 938-4378 or thuggenberger@aapd.org.
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The Dr. Lewis A. Kay Excellence in Education Award was established in 2011 by Pediatric Dental Associates, Ltd. of Fort Washington, Pennsylvania to honor the director of the pediatric dental program determined to best exemplify the dedication and values set forth by the late Dr. Lewis A. Kay. The award includes the following criteria as determined by the selection committee:
The recipient must demonstrate outstanding leadership;
The recipient must be committed to educating pediatric dental residents to provide children with comprehensive quality oral health care;
The recipient must bring recognition to their program through their contributions to society and the profession of dentistry;
This $2,500 cash award must be used directly for program necessities or if deemed appropriate, mixed with continuing education for the recipient. Nominees will be considered by the AAPD Awards Committee.
Past Recipients
2012 Dr. Lewis A. Kay
2013 Dr. Indru C. Punwani
2014 Dr. Brian S. Martin
2015 Dr. Lynn Fujimoto
2016 Dr. Lori Barbeau
2017 Dr. Homa Amini
2018 Dr. Deborah Studen-Pavlovich
2019 Dr. Man Wai Ng
2020 Dr. Martha Wells
2021 Dr. Marcio Guelmann
2022 Dr. Vineet Dhar
2023 Dr. Clarice Law
2024 Dr. James E. Jones
2025 Dr. Bina KatechiaDownload the nomination form here. The nomination must include a letter describing how the nominated individual fulfills the criteria listed above. Nominations for the 2026 award must be submitted before January 1, 2026.
If you have questions about this award, please contact Tim Huggenberger at (773) 938-4378 or thuggenberger@aapd.org.
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The Paul P. Taylor award is given to the lead author of the most prestigious journal article in Pediatric Dentistry from the previous year. This award is determined by the AAPD Editorial Board. A plaque will be presented to the lead author at the General Assembly at the Annual Session, and each co-author will receive a certificate of appreciation. The Baylor Pediatric Dentistry Alumni Fund graciously supports this prestigious award. If you have questions about this award, please contact Vice President for Publications Cindy Hansen at (773) 938-4146 or chansen@aapd.org.
Past Recipients
2011 Dr. Cameron M. Zealand
2012 Dr. Arzu Pinar Erdem
2013 Dr. Brega Howley
2014 Dr. James A. Coll
2015 Dr. Arthur J. Nowak
2016 Dr. Svante Twetman
2017 Dr. Timothy Wright
2018 Dr. James A. Coll
2019 Dr. Ali Bagherian
2020 Dr. Muthu Murugan
2021 Dr. Kaaren Vargas
2022 Dr. Sheetal Manchanda
2023 Dr. H. Cem Güngö
2024 Dr. James Coll
2025 Dr. Margherita Fontana
2026 Dr. Muras Alrashdi -
The Academy presents an Evidence-Based Dentistry Service Award, only when warranted, to recognize a pediatric dentist(s) who has made a major contribution via service or publication, on a national or international level, to the dental profession and the specialty of pediatric dentistry through evidence-based clinical practice, academics or policy development over the past year. Nominees are solicited from the membership and considered by the Evidence-Based Dentistry (EBD) Committee, which shall make recommendations to the Board of Trustees who shall make the final selection. Teams may apply, such as a systematic review workgroup.
If you have any questions, please contact the Manager, Research and Policy Center, Lauren Mann at (773) 938-4158 or lmann@aapd.org.
Past Recipients
2017 Dr. James A. Coll and Dr. N. Sue Seale Coll
2018 Dr. Norman Tinanoff
2019 Dr. Kaaren Vargas
2020 Dr. Rebecca Slayton
2021 Dr. Elizabeth S. Gosnell
2022 Dr. Vineet Dhar
2023 Dr. Yasmi Crystal
2024 AAPD Behavior Guidance Workgroup
2025 Dr. Tim Wright -
Are you a passionate dentist just beginning your career? The inaugural Early Career Dentist Under 10 Award celebrates the outstanding achievements and commitment of emerging leaders in our field. This award honors exceptional young professionals who demonstrate excellence in pediatric dentistry through clinical practice, research, leadership, academia, advocacy, or service.
Awardees will be featured on the AAPD website, featured in Pediatric Dentistry Today (PDT), and recognized at the awards ceremony during the annual AAPD meeting.
Eligibility:
- Must be an Active AAPD member.
- Must be within the first 10 years out of your pediatric dentistry residency program.
- Demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following: clinical practice, research contributions, leadership, innovation, teaching, advocacy, or community service.
Submit your application and showcase your accomplishments. Don’t miss this chance to be celebrated for your hard work and dedication. For questions, please contact Vice President for Membership and Chapter Relations Suzanne Wester at swester@aapd.org.
Applications open in November 2026.
Applications close on January 16, 2027
Previous Recipients
2026
Dr. Jacqueline Marjorie Burgette University of North Carolina class of 2016
Dr. Matthew Jay Keckeisen Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry class of 2023
Dr. Kathryn Michelle Pawlak University at Buffalo class of 2019
Dr. Jessica S.F. Sliger University of Missouri-Kansas City class of 2018
Dr. Scott B Schwartz University of North Carolina class of 20162025
Dr. Sara Ehsani University of Connecticut Health Center – Class of 2018
Dr. Kyulim Lee The Ohio State University Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Class of 2023
Dr. Nina Ray Howard University – Class of 2017 -
The AAPD Pediatric Dental Resident Committee developed the "Resident Recognition Award" to recognize pediatric dental residents doing innovative and interesting activities in their training programs. Selected residents will be awarded $200, featured on the AAPD website, featured in Pediatric Dentistry Today (PDT), and recognized at the awards ceremony during the annual AAPD meeting.
Resident Research Competitions
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The Resident Research Award (RRA) was established in 1989 for pediatric dentistry residents and recent graduates. After completing the application process, the AAPD Council on Scientific Affairs selects eight finalists to present their research during AAPD's Annual Session.
Finalists receive*:
- Complimentary registration, for them and a guest, to the Annual Session
- Airfare (limited to a maximum of $500 coach airfare for attendance at the Annual Session)
- Hotel (one room-three nights)
- $500 cash award and a plaque, presented during the General Assembly at the Annual Session. Attendance to the General Assembly and Awards Ceremony is mandatory for RRA finalists (held on the Sunday of the meeting).
- A matching cash award is presented to each finalist’s training program.
*While multiple authors can be acknowledged, only one applicant will serve as the finalist to make the oral presentation and be awarded complimentary registration, hotel, airfare, and the cash award.
Current graduate students or recent graduates of an international pediatric dentistry program (or international equivalent) are encouraged to apply for the RRA competition.
Application Information
- Applicants may only submit one entry for this award. Entries will not be accepted from individuals who have previously submitted to the competition. Abstracts must not be closely related to another submitted abstract with the same co-authors.
- Published work is eligible for the competition with the following caveats:
-Research cannot have been published more than 6 months prior to the RRA abstract submission deadline
- Presenting author (i.e. applicant submitting the abstract for the RRA competition) must be the primary author of published work) - RRA applications must be submitted as RRA or Poster Competition and RRA. Program Director sign-off is required.
- Applicants must be a member of the AAPD in good standing (international applicants may join at the time of submission).
- Current pediatric dentistry residents or graduates of a pediatric dentistry residency training program, having received their certificate or degree within twelve (12) months prior to the RRA application deadline, are eligible for this award.
- Final, analyzed data must be included in the abstract. Abstracts without final data will not be judged.
- A manuscript is required from those that make it to the semi-finalist round. If a major flaw in the research study is detected during the manuscript review, the judges reserve the right to withdraw the award prior to the Annual Session and to name a successor semifinalist.
Abstract Judging Criteria - applicants may use this as a guide when preparing their abstracts
- Significance: Does the project address an important problem or a critical barrier to progress in the field?
- Innovation: Does the project challenge and seek to shift current research or clinical practice paradigms?
- Methods/Approach: Are the overall strategy, methodology, and analyses well-reasoned and appropriate?
- Results: The results must be stated clearly and are appropriate for a completed project.
- Conclusions: The conclusions are clear and accurately reflect the results.
- Impact: Overall impact on pediatric dentistry.
Information for Co-applicants
Research projects completed by more than one resident or graduate may be submitted to RRA. While multiple residents or graduates will be acknowledged, only one applicant will serve as the finalist to make the oral presentation and be awarded complimentary registration and the cash award.
Details on how and where to submit abstracts for consideration will be posted along with Annual Session information.
Please contact the Education Development and Academic Support Manager Leola Royston at (773) 938-4986 or e-mail lroyston@aapd.org for further information.
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Following oral presentations at the Annual Session, this award is presented to the Graduate Student Research Award (GSRA) recipient judged to have accomplished the most outstanding research project. The recipient receives an additional $1000 cash award, with a $500 award presented to the winner's institution. Established in 1991, the award honors Ralph E. McDonald, AAPD past-president and editor emeritus. The AAPD Council on Scientific Affairs selects the recipient. The Indiana University of Pediatric Dentistry Alumni Association graciously supports this award.
Ralph E. McDonald Award Past Recipients, 1991-2010
Recipients, 2025-2010
2025 Dr. Berenice Cheng, Loma Linda University
2024 Dr. Lucas Mathes, University of Michigan
2023 Brittany Schweiger, Ohio State University/Nationwide Children's Hospital
2022 JungSoo Kim, University of California, San Francisco
2021 Jennifer Cleary, University of Michigan School of Dentistry
2020 Deepti Shroff Karhade, University of North Carolina
2019 Lara Holm Heimisdottir, University of North Carolina
2018 Kelly M. Lipp, Ohio State University/Nationwide Children's Hospital
2017 Christopher Goodell, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard School of Dental Medicine
2016 Casey Filbert, University of Tennessee
2015 Amy R. Luce, University of Florida, Gainesville
2014 Rosalyn M. Salyanto, Ohio State University/Nationwide Children's Hospital
2013 Jeremy Horst, University of California, San Francisco
2012 Erin L. Gross, Ohio State University/Nationwide Children's Hospital
2011 Stephen D. Beck, Ohio State University/Nationwide Children's Hospital
2010 Stephanie Jackson, University of North CarolinaPlease contact the Education Development and Academic Support Manager Leola Royston at (773) 938-4986 or lroyston@aapd.org for further information.
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2025 Winners (https://aapd2025.eventscribe.net/)
1st
Dimensional Stability of BioFlx Crowns After Sterilization
Patrick Nabholz, DDS – Resident, University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC)2nd
Sensory-Adapted Dental Environment for Pediatric Patients with Sensory Processing Disorders
Nida-e-Haque Mahmud, DDS, BDS (she/her/hers) – Pediatric Dentistry Resident, UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry3rd
Working towards Health Equity in School Based Dental Program
Maria Park, DDS – Pediatric Dental Resident, The Ohio State University/Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OHGoals of the AAPD Poster Session
- To give applicants a chance to present their research during AAPD’s Annual Session Meeting
- To show the breadth of research that is being undertaken at various institutions
- To highlight interesting cases encountered by applicants
Research Poster Competition Presentations:
The poster session runs during the Friday and Saturday of the Annual Session meeting. Presenters are expected to present their posters during their designated time (day/times will be sent in advance of the meeting).
Research Poster Competition Prize Information:
Those who choose to compete in the Research Poster competition are eligible to win the prizes below:
1st Place: $1,000
2nd Place: $500
3rd Place: $250Details on how and where to submit abstracts for consideration will be posted along with Annual Session information.
Please contact the Education Development and Academic Support Manager Leola Royston at (773) 938-4986 or e-mail lroyston@aapd.org for further information.
Fellowships
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AAPD and its EBD Committee created this opportunity to encourage pediatric dentists to participate in evidence-based research and guideline development and to support interested pediatric dentists in developing skillsets in this line of work.
The application deadline is February 27, 2026.
The EBD Fellow will:
- Receive funding to attend the EBD Workshop at Annual Session 2026 in Las Vegas, NV
- Complete the AAPD Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Course on Education Passport and other educational opportunities as suggested by AAPD EBD leadership
- Practice EBD methodological skills by participating in existing EBD Workgroups (Fellow may assist in PICO question development, data extraction and synthesis, manuscript development, or other activities as needed and directed by the Workgroup Chair)
- Observe the EBD Committee at its virtual governance meeting
- Present to the EBD Committee and/or submit a written piece for Pediatric Dentistry Today (topic and other details to be determined in consult with EBD Committee Chairperson, Dr. Tim Wright)
- Receive professional development guidance and networking opportunities from AAPD EBD leadership
- Propose an EBD project that aligns with the goals and strategic directions of the AAPD and that would be a valuable contribution to pediatric dentistry for future consideration of the EBD Committee and AAPD Board of Trustees
Eligibility:
- Pediatric dental residents, dental faculty members, dental program directors, and other pediatric dentists are encouraged to apply for the Fellowship.
- Preference may be given to pediatric dentists that have worked on AAPD Councils and Committees, such as the Council on Clinical Affairs or Council on Scientific Affairs.
- Applicants must be current members of the AAPD and located within the US.
Notifications will be sent by March 31, 2026.
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After many years of offering this well-received and highly sought-after scholarship program, the AAPD and AAPD Foundation explored ways to improve upon it. Now known as the Leadership in Education and Administration Program (LEAP), expanded courses are available.
Building on the momentum of the past several years, the Academy for Advancing Leadership’s (AAL) Institute for Teaching and Learning (ITL) course will still be offered, but now scholarships for AAL’s Chairs and Academic Administrators Management Program (CAAMP) will also be awarded.
The difference between the two programs:
- ITL Focus: Educator proficiency, pedagogical theory, best practice applications for clinical and didactic education, IPE, faculty development, and trends in education
- CAAMP Focus: Best practices for leadership and management, professional development, team dynamics, and strategic planning topics
The scholarship covers tuition only.
- The Institute for Teaching and Learning (ITL) course is designed as an on-site program to help participants achieve better student outcomes by refining their teaching skills and enhancing the quality of their interactions with students.
- The Chairs and Academic Administrators Management Program (CAAMP) is an interactive program designed to address the unique challenges faced by new, current, and aspiring administrators
Selected candidates will also receive complimentary registration to the AAPD Comprehensive Review of Pediatric Dentistry continuing education course.
The application window for the 2027 award cycle will be from November 2, 2026 - February 3, 2027.
Online Application Link
Download LEAP Application Attestation Here
Please contact the Senior Manager, Education Development and Academic Support, Leola Royston at (773) 938-4986 or e-mail lroyston@aapd.org for further information.
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This fellowship, sponsored by the HuFriedyGroup, offers an early career AAPD member support to pursue a project focused on safety and/or QI topics, with guidance from the Safety & QI Committee, the RPC team, and the HuFriedyGroup. Our teams have collaborated on areas of shared interest, and we are excited to strengthen and expand this partnership through the fellowship.
The Fellow’s project is expected to be complete in one year’s time coinciding with the Academy year (July 2026 to June 2027). The Fellow will have an opportunity to work with AAPD leaders via the Safety & QI Committee and the RPC, and attend select in-person meetings such as the Safety & QI Committee Fall Meeting, the RPC Advisory Board Meeting, the AAPD Annual Session, a Dental Quality Alliance (DQA) meeting, or the Association for Dental Safety (ADS) Annual Conference.
The application deadline is March 13, 2026.
Safety and QI topics research topics are wide ranging. The application will welcome applicants to propose project ideas of their own, while also providing some topics for applicants to express interest in and build upon, such as:
- Conducting a state-level analysis of dental waterline management policies
- Developing or evaluating decision-support tools for radiograph acquisition and shielding practices
- Assessing existing adverse incident reporting systems used in dentistry or other professions
- Developing materials and other resources to support implementation of Dental Quality Alliance measures in pediatric dental practice 
Please reach out to Lauren Mann at lmann@aapd.org with any questions.
About HuFriedyGroup
HuFriedyGroup is a global leader in dental instrument innovation, infection prevention, and practice optimization solutions.
“The HuFriedyGroup mission is to support clinicians with solutions that advance patient safety, clinical excellence, and trust in care. Sponsoring the AAPD Research & Policy Center Safety and Quality Improvement Fellowship is a natural extension of our DNA, partnering with the profession, investing in evidence-based improvement, and helping elevate the standard of care for children and families. We’re proud to collaborate with AAPD to empower emerging leaders to turn meaningful safety and quality insights into real-world impact,” - Christophe Carsault, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Commercial Excellence
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The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and past-president Dr. Paul S. Casamassimo initially created this opportunity for pediatric dental residents and early career pediatric dentists to conduct policy research addressing one of the priority areas identified by the AAPD Research & Policy Center (RPC) Advisory Board and approved by the AAPD Board of Trustees. The fellowship is supported by Preventech, Inc.
The application deadline is February 27, 2026.
Fellowship Goals
- Conduct oral health policy and/or health services research that advances children’s oral health and supports AAPD public policy initiatives at the national, state, or local levels with legislatures, regulatory agencies, professional associations, or other non-governmental organizations
- Participate in AAPD leadership and advocacy activities that advance children’s oral health and public understanding of pediatric dentistry
- Produce and present a timely and high-quality research project or policy analysis on a critical issue impacting children’s oral health within the Harris Fellowship year (may be a research brief, peer-reviewed publication, or another suitable product based on the topic area and desired audience)
- Acquire leadership skills to better advocate for children’s oral health post-fellowship
Applicant Eligibility
Eligible applicants are:
- Pediatric dental residents OR pediatric dentists in their first five years post-residency (i.e., must have graduated from residency in 2021 or later)
- Members of AAPD
Application Process
To apply, complete and submit the application at https://forms.gle/ijDaRs7wVFPEJvAH7 no later than 11:59pm Central on Friday, February 27, 2026. The following are required of the applicant and embedded in the application form:
- Propose a project or activity that will:
- meet the goals and strategic directions of the AAPD and the RPC, and
- be achievable in the fellowship year (May 2026 – May 2027)
- Identify and seek participation of a mentor with requisite skills to ensure completion of a quality product
- Letters of recommendation
- CV/Resume
- Commit to the following required activities:
- Complete a project on a topic mutually agreed upon by AAPD and Fellow (to resemble the project proposal in the application, but may undergo revision in consultation with AAPD)
- Contribute content related to the project to AAPD publications (AAPD ENews, Pediatric Dentistry Today, RPC Rundown, etc.)
- Attend the Research & Policy Center Advisory Board Meeting in January 2027 (location TBD)*
- Attend the Pediatric Oral Health Advocacy Conference (including congressional visits) in Washington, D.C. in March 2027*
- Attend AAPD Annual Session in Washington, D.C. in May 2027*
- Present a research project update to the AAPD Research & Policy Center Advisory Board (January 2027)
- Present the final research project to the AAPD Board of Trustees at Annual Session (May 2027)
- Participate in regular check-in meetings (roughly quarterly) with the Research & Policy Center
- Observe or participate in virtual/Zoom meetings with AAPD Councils, Committees, Workgroups, or Advisory Groups related to the project of interest, as requested
*As noted above, the Fellow must attend the identified meetings and events as funding permits. Travel expenses are reimbursed for any required meetings.
Please direct questions to RPC@aapd.org.
The AAPD gratefully acknowledges its sponsor
for the Samuel D. Harris Research & Policy Fellowship
Fellow of AAPD
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In 2012 the AAPD revised their current fellow status to focus on leadership, scholarly activity and community involvement. Previously fellow status was automatically granted when you became board certified as a pediatric dentists. The term fellow in a professional association often refers to a person who has distinguished themselves above the standard norm, either by publications or contributions to the profession.
Starting in 2013, fellow status was no longer automatically granted to board-certified pediatric dentists. We introduced the new fellow program that will offer our members an opportunity to further distinguish themselves in the profession. Members who received their board certification in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 etc. have an opportunity to earn their fellow status in this new program.