Our AIDPH Awards Program recognizes and honors individuals, students, and organizations that are advancing justice, equity, and inclusion in oral health and public health. Through these awards, we acknowledge the visionaries, trailblazers, and community champions who inspire progress and create transformative solutions for oral health equity. AIDPH offers a platform to highlight the extraordinary efforts of leaders, researchers, and advocates who prioritize equity and inclusion, amplifying their work and inspiring others to follow their path.

Visionary Leadership Award

Deadline for submission: April 5, 2026

The Visionary Leadership Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing a justice-oriented oral health and public health system. This award honors those who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to advancing health equity, justice, and inclusion through visionary leadership. This award is open to individuals, including healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, or leaders from nonprofit organizations, who have made substantial contributions to the field of oral health or public health. Applicants must live in the US. Award winners will receive a $1,000 honorarium. Awardees will be invited to present during the 2026 Colloquium.

Nominees for the Visionary Leadership Award must meet the following criteria: 

• Exemplary Leadership: Nominees should have a proven track record of visionary leadership within the public health community, demonstrating the ability to inspire and lead positive change.

• Commitment to Justice and Equity: Nominees must have a clear commitment to advancing justice, equity, and inclusion within healthcare.

• Innovative Initiatives: Consideration is given to nominees who have initiated or contributed to innovative programs, policies, or practices that address health disparities.

• Collaborative Approach: Nominees should have a history of collaborating with diverse stakeholders to amplify their impact and drive systemic change.

• Impact on the Field: Nominees should have made a significant impact on health research, policy, access, or delivery, with tangible outcomes.

Application Components:

1. At least two letters of support – up to four total. They must be ready at the time of application submission, as they will be attached to the application.
2. Responses to open-ended questions for each of the award criteria listed above.
3. CV, resume, or biosketch

Community Champion Award

Deadline for submission: April 5, 2026

The Community Champion Award recognizes individuals or organizations that have demonstrated outstanding commitment and efforts in prioritizing the voices of marginalized, underserved, oppressed, and historically excluded communities in pursuit of whole-person healthcare within the field of oral health or public health. This award can be presented to individuals, community organizations, nonprofits, or institutions actively involved in health advocacy and community engagement. Applicants must live in the US. Award winners will receive a $1,000 travel honorarium. Awardees will be invited to present during the 2026 Colloquium.

Nominees for the Community Champion Award must meet the following criteria: 

• Demonstrated Commitment: Nominees must have a proven track record of advocating for justice, equity, and inclusion in oral health and public health.

• Community Impact: Nominees should have made a significant impact on improving health outcomes for marginalized communities.

• Innovative Initiatives: Nominees may have initiated or contributed to innovative programs, policies, or practices that address health disparities.

• Collaborative Efforts: Consideration is given to nominees who have worked collaboratively with other organizations or community stakeholders to amplify their impact.

• Evidence of Community Engagement: Nominees should provide evidence of engaging directly with communities to understand their unique health needs and concerns.
• Long-term Commitment: Nominees should demonstrate a sustained, long-term commitment to advancing health equity.

Application Components:

1. At least two letters of support – up to four total. They must be ready at the time of application submission, as they will be attached to the application.
2. Responses to open-ended questions for each of the award criteria listed above.
3. CV, resume, or biosketch

Equity Trailblazer Student Award

Deadline for submission: January 20th, 2025

The Equity Trailblazer Student Award recognizes outstanding students who have shown exceptional research advancing justice, equity, and inclusion within the field of oral health or public health. This award honors students who have made significant contributions to research projects that address health disparities and promote equity. This award is open to currently enrolled students in a public health or clinical healthcare program. Applicants must live in the US. Award winners will receive a $1,000 honorarium. Awardees will be invited to present during the 2026 Colloquium.

Nominees for the Visionary Leadership Award must meet the following criteria: 

• Research Impact: Nominees should have conducted research projects that directly contribute to advancing justice, equity, and inclusion in healthcare.
• Innovative Research: Consideration is given to students who have initiated or contributed to innovative research initiatives addressing health disparities.
• Community Engagement: Nominees should demonstrate a commitment to engaging with communities affected by health disparities as part of their research efforts.
• Collaborative Research: Nominees should have collaborated with peers, faculty, or community organizations on research projects that promote equity.
• Research Leadership: Nominees should exhibit leadership qualities and potential for future leadership roles in the field of health disparities research.

Application Components:

1. At least two letters of support – up to four total. At least one letter must be from a mentor. They must be ready at the time of application submission as they will be attached to the application.
2. Responses to open-ended questions for each of the award criteria listed above.
3. Research activities that support award criteria, such as research projects, publications, or initiatives demonstrating research leadership.
4. CV or resume