Changemakers Celebration

This year, we are bringing all our award winners together into one spectacular event so we can celebrate together as a community. Our inaugural Changemakers Celebration will honor this year’s recipients of our annual awards, including:

• ADA Distinguished Service Award
• ADA Humanitarian Award
• ADA New Dentist Committee 10 Under 10 Award
• Evidence-Based Dentistry Faculty Awards, sponsored by Colgate
• Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Dental Research, sponsored by Colgate
• Norton M. Ross Award for Excellence in Clinical Research, sponsored by Kenvue

Event details

Join us to honor those who have made significant contributions to dentistry, from our newest dental colleagues to those who have served the profession for decades.

Changemakers Celebration
Friday, Oct. 18
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. CT
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
La Nouvelle Orleans Ballroom

Food and beverages will be served.
Cost: $75 or included with Platinum Smile Pass

Purchase your ticket when you register for SmileCon 2024.

Award descriptions

ADA Distinguished Service Award
The highest honor given by the ADA Board of Trustees, this award acknowledges the lifelong contributions of a member dentist.

ADA Humanitarian Award
This award recognizes a member dentist who has distinguished themselves by giving a minimum of 10 years to improving the oral health of underserved populations in the United States. Learn about this year’s recipient, Dr. Bill Sasser.

ADA New Dentist Committee 10 Under 10 Award
Each year, the ADA New Dentist Committee recognizes 10 dentists within 10 years of graduating dental school who demonstrate excellence and inspire others in science, research and education, practice excellence, philanthropy, leadership and advocacy. Learn more about this year’s winners.

Evidence-Based Dentistry Faculty and Practice Awards
Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Colgate, these awards honor educators and clinicians who have made significant contributions to implement and advance evidence-based dentistry in research, practice and the classroom. Includes the categories of Accomplished Faculty Award, Mid-career Faculty Award and Practice Award.

Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Dental Research
Presented every three years, this award honors individuals who, through basic or clinical research, have contributed to the advancement of the profession of dentistry or to major improvement in the oral health of the public. The award is sponsored by the ADA together with Colgate.

Norton M. Ross Award for Excellence in Clinical Research
This award honors an individual who has made significant contributions in clinical investigations that have advanced the diagnosis, treatment and/or prevention of craniofacial-oral-dental diseases, as well as outstanding research endeavors in other areas.