ADA Foundation Award Programs | ADA Foundation

ADA Foundation Award Programs

The Crest and Oral-B Promising Researcher Award

**Award application period now open through September 18, 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.

Applicants and Eligibility Requirements: 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

Applicants are not required to be members of the American Dental Association.

Apply for the Crest and Oral-B Promising Researcher Award.
*Applicants will be taken to a third party website and will need to create a login to apply.


The 2025 Crest and 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

**Application period currently closed and will open in Spring 2027*

The Dr. David Whiston Leadership Award provides $5,000 to a deserving individual to cover the costs associated with attending a leadership program 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

Applicants and Eligibility Requirements: Applicant must be a dental student, dentist, dentist pursuing graduate studies, dental resident enrolled in an accredited dental school education degree or certificate program, or an early-career dentist within 10 (ten) years of graduating dental school. Selection will be based on leadership skills that advance the dental profession through community engagement, service to the profession, and/or scientific advancement of oral public health.

Applicants are not required to be members of the American Dental Association.

 

The 2026 Dr. David Whiston Leadership Award Recipient:

 

Dr. Joseph Anthony Manzella-Kane
Dr. Joseph Anthony Manzella-Kane

Dr. Joseph Anthony Manzella-Kane

The ADA Foundation proudly presents Joseph A. Manzella-Kane, DDS, MPH with the prestigious Dr. David Whiston Leadership Award of 2026. Dr. Manzella-Kane is a general dentist, advocate, and committed leader in organized dentistry originally from Long Island, New York. He earned his DDS and MPH from Stony Brook University before completing his General Practice Residency at Rhode Island Hospital, where he later returned as an attending dentist caring for pediatric and special-needs patients and mentoring dental residents. He now practices in Connecticut where he lives with his husband, Matthew. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the Connecticut shoreline, visiting family in New York, and spending time with his rescue dog, Ollie.

Dr. Manzella-Kane has been deeply engaged in organized dentistry since dental school, serving in leadership at the local, state, and national levels, including as National Speaker of the House for the American Student Dental Association and, currently, President-Elect of the Connecticut State Dental Association. He is also a Delegate to the ADA House of Delegates and an incoming member of the American Dental Association’s Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs. His commitment to mentorship, advocacy, and strengthening the profession for future generations reflects his belief that leadership is an opportunity to give back, lift others up, and help shape a stronger future for dentistry—making him honored to receive the Dr. David Whiston Leadership Award.

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