2026 Application deadline: November 10, 2025.
Do you know an early career dentist in their first 10 years of practice who is inspiring their colleagues by making a difference in dentistry? The IDA New Dentist of the Year Award recognizes an early career dentist who has served dentistry through their commitment to the profession and the public. The IDA New Dentist of the Year recipient is submitted to the ADA consideration for the ADA 10 Under 10 Award.
Nominate a rising dental star who demonstrates excellence and inspires others in science, research & education, practice excellence, philanthropy, leadership, and advocacy, to name a few areas.
Examples of Areas of Excellence:
- Science/Research/Education: A dentist who has made substantial contributions to advancing clinical topics by leading, organizing or participating in clinical research or scientifically focused efforts or who significantly impacts dental students or residents through education and mentorship
- Practice Management/ Entrepreneurial: A dentist who excels in practice management demonstrated in areas such as patient experience, dental team management, practice technology and/or general entrepreneurial success, business savvy in practice ownership, or innovation
- Philanthropy: A dentist who has made a remarkable difference in the lives of others (in dentistry or otherwise), either by volunteering, leading a philanthropic effort or using their skills to help those in need
- Leadership: A dentist who serves in leadership, either within or outside organized dentistry, and has used that position to improve a dental association, another organization or their community at large
- Advocacy: A dentist who takes a leadership role in advocacy initiatives or legislative activity on behalf of dentists and oral health initiatives
Who can you nominate?
- Active member of the American Dental Association
- Graduated from a U.S. accredited dental school between the years of 2016 and 2025 OR be an international member of the ADA who graduated dental school in the past 10 years
- Exhibited excellence in areas such as Science, Research & Education, Practice Excellence, Philanthropy, Leadership and Advocacy
All submissions will be reviewed by the IDA New Dentist Committee and submitted to the IDA Board of Trustees for approval.
