The ADA Leadership Institutes (formerly the Institute for Diversity in Leadership) has been redesigned to focus on leadership development and personal growth for dentists of diverse perspectives and backgrounds in preparation to correct disparities of opportunity in the tripartite leadership pipeline.
Since 2003, the Institute program has provided over 300 dentists with opportunities to:
- Enhance their leadership skills and gain leadership experience
- Strengthen their professional network and build a lifetime of supportive relationships
- Set new leadership paths within the profession and communities
- Join an alumni movement to impact change in the Association and organized dentistry
There is no fee to apply and participation is open to all active, licensed dentists and dental students, residing in the U.S. Ideal candidates will have demonstrated leadership potential within dental associations, dental school or their communities. Emerging leaders are encouraged to apply. The ADA thanks Henry Schein, Inc. and Procter & Gamble for their continued support of the program.
Apply for the Institutes: Each year, 30 U.S. dentists and ten dental students* are selected to participate in this extraordinary, tuition-free fifteen-month leadership development program. Participants are reimbursed for travel expenses to attend in-person sessions in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and another city in their region. Participants are also expected to attend all monthly virtual sessions.
Apply Now - Deadline June 15, 2025
To be considered for the Leadership Institutes, applicants must submit a completed application and two candidate reference forms to leadershipinstitutes@ada.org by June 15, 2025. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Dentists:
2025 Application (PDF)
Candidate Reference Form (PDF)
Dental Students:
2025 Application (PDF)
Candidate Reference Form (PDF)
Approval Form (PDF)
*Dental students must be in their third year of dental school at the start of the program.