Recognizing the next generation
AAPHD's student award programs support and celebrate emerging dental public health scholars across two structured tracks.
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.
Eligibility: Senior or recently graduated students who completed a community-based or research project before graduation.
Dental Hygiene Student Merit Award
Leverett Graduate Student Merit Award
Prizes: First Place $500 · Second Place $200 · Third Place $100 · plus conference registration, AAPHD membership, and journal access.
Student Recognition Awards in Community Dentistry
Honor senior dental and dental hygiene students demonstrating commitment to community service through impactful projects in public health or community-based settings.
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.
Recipients receive an award certificate for presentation at the school's commencement or award ceremony, plus a one-year AAPHD membership and subscription to the Journal of Public Health Dentistry.
Deadline: April 30, 2026.