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ADEA Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Student Leadership Award


Questions

For any questions, please contact the ADEA Office of Learning at ProfessionalDevelopment@adea.org.

Purpose

The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) is pleased to announce the 2025 Student Award honoring Dr. Jeanne Craig Sinkford’s remarkable impact on dental education throughout her stellar career as a lifelong champion of dental research and a steadfast advocate for diversity and social justice.

The award is intended to inspire and empower the next generation of students in oral health education and leadership. Selected students will be determined by the liaison of each dental institution.

There is no application form for this award. Students will not submit nominations to ADEA. Students are nominated by their designated school liaison;there is just one nomination per school.


Overview

Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford is an icon, trailblazer and visionary in dental education, a lifelong supporter of dental research and a steadfast advocate for diversity and social justice. As the first woman and African American dean of a U.S. dental school, Dr. Sinkford’s pioneering efforts empowered people from all backgrounds to advance to the pinnacle of their careers in dentistry, including deanships, research, service, and academia. 

Dr. Sinkford’s stellar academic, research and service leadership are the hallmarks of her professional career. She is a persistent advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in dental education and in the dental profession. She is a champion for access to oral health care and health equity. Her long career as a leader for change has had a resounding impact and has fueled transformation in the dental education community.

The award recipient or university will receive the following.

  • A monetary award of $500.
  • A certificate and nameplate for the school’s plaque during the Student Award Ceremony at their respective dental institutions.

Eligibility Requirements

This prestigious award, sponsored by ADEA, is given annually by each U.S. and Canadian dental school to a student in good academic standing in their final year of dental education.

The criteria are as follows:

  • The student must demonstrate participation in leadership activities.
  • The student must demonstrate effective leadership.
  • The student must be an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • The student must champion access to oral health care for underserved and disadvantaged populations.
  • The student must be community service oriented.
  • The student must be committed to entering dental education or organized dentistry.

Application Process Checklist

The designated liaison from each U.S. and Canadian dental school must submit student nomination.

Please contact the ADEA Office of Learning at JSAwards@adea.org to confirm eligibility.

University liaisons will receive information to submit their student awardee to ADEA by the end of January 2025.

Notification Date and Award Announcement

Selections are made by each U.S. and Canadian dental school and announced at the Student Award Ceremony at each institution.