ADA Health Literacy Essay Contest for Dental Students at Participating Dental Schools 

The ADA Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention (CAAP) sponsored its first pilot health writing contest for dental students in 2015 per the suggestion of Dr. Sorin Teich, Associate Professor, Department of Comprehensive Care and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. The Ohio Dental Association also collaborated on the initiative. The objectives of the contest are to increase students' knowledge about health literacy principles and build their skills in writing plain language.

Every year since 2015, the ADA has increased the number of dental schools invited to participate in the pilot contest. All dental schools are now invited to participate. This year's essay topic, Not Just Teeth: Why The Dental Team Is Essential For My Overall Health, reflects the importance of the oral-systemic connection, and how critical regular dental care is to a patient’s overall health.

The 2022 Contest is here!!

Please check with your dental school to confirm their participation and note that all essay submissions for consideration are submitted through dental schools who have confirmed participation in the contest.

View full contest rules.

2022 Essay Contest Information
  • Contest Begins September 15, 2022
  • Deadline for students to submit essays to their dental school is October 30, 2022
  • Deadline for dental schools to submit one entry to the ADA is November 30, 2022
  • ADA will announce the winners in January 2023
Previous Winning Essays