Awards & Scholarships
The American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) and the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) are now accepting applications for the ADAA/DANB Scholarship. Since 2013, this scholarship has provided dental assistants with the opportunity to achieve their professional development goals.
ADAA Awards are presented annually and begin accepting nominations in late January/early February.
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.
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. | March 31 |
| 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. | March 31 |
| 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 |
| ADAA Pride Awards | Presented to a member who believes in loyalty to self as well as the profession of dental assisting. There are four categories for this award (Clinical Assistant, Business/Administrative Assistant, Educator, Air Force), which honors hard work, self-motivation, professional enhancement, and advancement of the career of dental assisting. The recipients will receive an award and be announced in ADAA publications. | All Professional, Federal, Life and Life Retired members. | June 30 |
| Anna Nelson Memorial Award for Editorial Excellence | Presented to the member who has submitted the best educational article for original publication in the ADAA journal. Articles are chosen by the Awards Committee. The recipient will receive an award and will be announced in ADAA publications. | All Professional, Federal, Life and Life Retired members. | May 10 |
| Loyal Assistant Award | Presented to the member who has demonstrated loyalty and longevity in service to their employer. The recipient will receive an award and will be announced in ADAA publications. | All Professional, Federal, Life and Life Retired members. | June 30 |
