Awards & Scholarships
ADAA/DANB Scholarship applications are now closed
Applications are now being accepted until October 7, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. For more information, download the ADAA/DANB Scholarship Information Packet and apply online today!
The American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) and DANB have partnered to offer a scholarship that supports dental assistants who are looking to grow in their careers. The ADAA/DANB Scholarship is open to all ADAA members in good standing. This scholarship is awarded annually to dental assistants who demonstrate a strong commitment to career growth and lifelong learning in the dental assisting profession. Scholarship recipients receive between $250 and $1,000. Learn More!
Scholarship recipients will be announced in December 2024.
2025 ADAA Member Awards
ADAA begins accepting nominations for awards from May 1 to June 30, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) CDT.
The candidate’s name and qualifications shall be submitted electronically using ADAA Awards Nomination Form by 12:00 p.m. (Noon) CDT June 30. All electronically submitted documentation must be typed. It is the responsibility of the individual who is submitting the nomination to call central office if a confirmation email is not received stating the nomination was received.
To learn about the ADAA Member Awards, click here.
Merit Scholar Award
Nominations Now Open
ADAA begins accepting nominations for awards from March 1 to April13, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) CDT.
The Merit Scholar Award is to honor dental assisting students who exhibit proficiency in four handed dentistry and exemplify the critical contribution an educated dental assistant makes to the success of clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction and improved office efficiency. Recipients of this award also embody the qualities represented by Juliette A. Southard that includes loyalty, courtesy, and professionalism.
Student Achievement Award
Nominations Now Open
ADAA begins accepting nominations for awards from March 1 to April13, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) CDT.
The Student Achievement Award is presented to a student who has demonstrated leadership ability through some activity related to dentistry through participation in class activities, student organization(s), and local/state dental assisting organization, where available.
We encourage you to apply for or nominate someone for the 2024 Student Achievement Awards. The American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) is now accepting submissions for the 2024 Student Awards. Act fast, the application deadline is April 13, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Central Daylight Time.
ADAA Awards
ADAA Awards are presented annually and begin accepting nominations in late January/early February.
ADAA – Descriptions of the various awards and scholarships are found below.
| Name | Description | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADAA Merit Scholar Award | Presented to a student who has demonstrated advanced achievement in academic and clinical performance as well as teamwork and leadership qualities, based on involvement in campus programs and/or community activities. The recipients receive an award, a one-year paid ADAA membership which will be announced in ADAA publications. | All student members are currently enrolled in a CODA-approved program. Only one nomination per program shall be accepted. | April 14 |
| ADAA Student Achievement Award | Presented to a student who has demonstrated leadership ability through some activity related to dentistry through participation in-class activities, student organization(s), and local/state dental assisting organizations, where available. The recipient will receive an award and will be announced in ADAA publications. | All student members currently enrolled in a dental assisting program. Only one winner will be selected. | April 14 |
| New Member Involvement Award | Presented to a member of not more than five years standing who has shown the most outstanding achievement in promoting the objectives of the association and furthering the profession of dental assisting. The recipient will receive an award and will be announced in ADAA publications. | All Professional members of not more than 5 years standing. | June 30 |
| ADAA/DANB Scholarship | The scholarship will be awarded to dental assistants who demonstrate a strong commitment to career growth and lifelong learning. The winners will be able to use the scholarship funds for professional activities, such as Continuing Dental Education, DANB exams or certification, expenses associated with ADAA Fellowship or Mastership, or registration for a dental conference, among other possible activities. | The ADAA/DANB Scholarship shall be presented annually to one or more dues-paying ADAA members in good standing. | November 15 |
| ADAA President’s Award of Excellence | Presented to the member who has shown the most outstanding achievements in promoting the objectives of the association and furthering the profession of dental assisting. The recipient will receive an award and be announced in ADAA publications. | All Professional, Federal, Life and Life Retired members. | June 30 |
To view the recipients of past student and member awards, click here. If you have any questions about Awards & Scholarships, you can contact ADAA at info@adaausa.org or call 410-940-6584.