ADA Foundation Award Programs

ADA Foundation Leadership Awards

The Oral-B Promising Researcher Award (Award period currently closed): Expected RFP to Open: Spring 2026

The Crest and Oral-B Promising Researcher Award
The ADA Foundation Crest and Oral-B Promising Researcher Award promotes and recognizes excellence in oral health research. This annual award provides $5,000 to a promising researcher focused on preventive dentistry. Eligible candidates may be involved in basic, translational or clinical research. Award funds will enable the winning candidate to attend one or more scientific conferences to further their knowledge or skills or to present findings. Award funds can be used for expenses such as conference registration fees, travel expenses, meals and lodging. Degree candidates must conduct oral health research in preventive dentistry while enrolled in one of the following degree programs at an eligible institution:

  • D.D.S. or D.M.D.
  • D.D.S./D.M.D. and Ph.D. dual degree
  • Advanced Dental Education
  • Ph.D. or equivalent
  • M.P.H., M.S. or equivalent
  • Foreign equivalent

The 2025 Oral-B Promising Researcher Award Recipient:

 

Dr. Merna Gress
Dr. Merna Gress

Dr. Merna Gress
BDS, MSc, MJDF, PhD (Cand.)

Dr. Merna Gress is a PhD candidate in Oral Health Sciences at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and a recipient of the 2025 Crest and Oral-B Promising Researcher Award. Her research focuses on oral-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their extracellular vesicles, with an emphasis on immunomodulation and regenerative strategies for inflammatory oral diseases. In parallel, her research program extends to dental pulp stem cells, investigating their neuroregenerative potential to support functional regeneration. Dr. Gress earned her master’s degree in Oral Biology from New York University as a Fulbright Foreign Student Scholar and holds a Bachelor of Dental Sciences degree from the British University in Egypt. Her work bridges basic science and translational dentistry, aiming to advance biologically driven therapies that improve oral and systemic health outcomes.

In addition to her research, Dr. Gress is actively engaged in professional leadership and mentorship within national and international dental organizations. Through her academic, service, and research efforts, she exemplifies the mission of the Crest and Oral-B Promising Researcher Award by advancing innovation, scientific excellence, and the future of oral health research.

The Dr. David Whiston Leadership Award: Expected RFP to Open: Spring 2026

The Dr. David Whiston Leadership Award provides $5,000 to a deserving individual to cover the costs associated with attending a leadership program offered by the American Management Association or a course approved by the ADAF. The award funds can be used to pay for:

  • Tuition and fees for the course selected;
  • Travel expenses;
  • Meals, and
  • Lodging, if necessary.

The individual selected for this award will be eligible to attend a number of programs offered by the American Management Association (AMA). AMA programs are offered in most major cities in the U.S., making travel easy.  AMA courses can be viewed here: www.amanet.org.

Alternatively, the award recipient may propose a course with comparable content by a different provider for advance written approval by the ADAF. 

The 2025 Dr. David Whiston Leadership Award Recipient:

 

Dr. Salma Elwazeer
Dr. Salma Elwazeer

Dr. Salma Elwazeer
BDS, MDS, MPH, FRSPH, FICD, FACD, D-ABDPH

The ADA Foundation proudly presented Dr. Salma Elwazeer, BDS, MDS, MPH, FRSPH, FICD, FACD, D-ABDPH, with the prestigious Dr. David Whiston Leadership Award of 2025. Dr. Elwazeer, Assistant Professor and Director of Public Health Education and Interprofessional Education (IPE) at the Hunt School of Dental Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, is recognized for her outstanding leadership in advancing dental public health education. She played a pivotal role in developing and is currently directing the innovative Community Health Certificate Curriculum, integrating public health, interprofessional collaboration, and Spanish-language training into dental education. A nationally respected leader and mentor, Dr. Elwazeer’s work exemplifies the spirit of service, innovation, and collaboration that the Dr. David Whiston Leadership Award was created to honor.

For questions about the Awards, contact us at foundation@ada.org or 312.440.2763.