Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Dental Research

Established in 1985 and presented every three years, the Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Dental Research 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.

The ADA is accepting nominations for the 2024 Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Dental Research

The Gold Medal Award honors individuals who help advance dentistry through basic or clinical research or improve the oral health of the public in a major way. The winner will receive $25,000, a gold medallion and, if eligible, a three-year term as a member of the ADA’s Council on Scientific Affairs.

To nominate an individual, submit a formal letter of nomination specifying the candidate’s qualifications along with the candidate’s curriculum vitae and a list of publications.

2024 Nomination Period is now closed! We will be announcing the 2024 Winner in the near future, if you have any questions in the meantime please email zinkj@ada.org.


Award overview

The Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Dental Research is presented once every three years. The individual selected will receive $25,000 and a gold medallion at a formal presentation, with all expenses for the recipient’s travel and lodging covered. If eligible, the recipient will also serve a three-year term as a member of the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. In addition, the recipient will select a fellowship recipient, who will receive funding of $20,000 to support their own research.

For more information, contact Jon Zink by email zinkj@ada.org.


Past recipients

2021: Dr. Martha Somerman, who selected Dr. Erin Bumann as a Gold Medal Fellow

2018: Dr. Ken Hargreaves

2015: Dr. Steven Offenbacher, who selected Dr. Shaoping Zhang as a Gold Medal Fellow

2012: Dr. John S. Greenspan

2009: Dr. Harold C. Slavkin

2006: Dr. Lorne M. Golub

2003: Dr. Robert J. Gorlin

2000: Dr. William H. Bowen

1997: Dr. Takao Fusayama

1994: Dr. Harald Löe

1991: Dr. Robert J. Genco

1988: Dr. Basil G. Bibby

1985: Dr. Irwin D. Mandel