[American Dental Hygienists' Association](https://www.adha.org)

March 31, 2026 (Full application submission, 12:00 PM CT)

General Research Grant: $5,000 (1 award/year) | OMT Grant: minimum $2,500 (1 award/year); typical range $1,000–$10,000; duration: 1 year

Supports research to advance dental hygiene knowledge, education, and practice, with an emphasis on projects aligned with the ADHA National Research Agenda.

--- ## Description The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) Foundation offers annual research grants to support projects that develop or expand the dental hygiene body of knowledge, promote public oral health through improved dental hygiene education and practice, and support the delivery of quality oral healthcare. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, with a strong preference for proposals that address the ADHA National Research Agenda. Two primary funding streams are available: the General Research Grant and the Kimberly K. Benkert Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) Grant. The program is designed to advance dental hygiene science and practice, and recipients are required to submit a final report to receive grant funds. --- ## Due Dates - March 31, 2026: Full application submission deadline (applications must be received by 12:00 PM CT) - No late applications will be accepted. --- ## Funding Amount - **General Research Grant:** $5,000 (one recipient per year) - **OMT Grant:** Minimum of $2,500 (one recipient per year) - **Typical award range:** $1,000–$10,000; larger requests may be considered if funds are available. - **Project period:** 1 year (funding typically begins July 1) - Awards are payable to the applicant’s institution. --- ## Eligibility - Must be a **current member** of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA). - Must be a **licensed dental hygienist** (or student member for student investigator category, with faculty advisor). - Principal Investigators for the OMT Grant must have at least 2 years of experience in the OMT field. - Projects already in progress may be considered if they meet approval criteria. - **Not eligible:** Current members of the ADHA Foundation Board of Directors, ADHA Board of Directors, or Research Grant Review Committee as Principal Investigators (may serve in other capacities). - Applicants with overdue reports from previous ADHA grants are ineligible. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted electronically via the [FY26 ADHA Foundation Research Grants portal](https://my.reviewr.com/s2/site/FY26researchgrants). - Required materials include: - Completed application form - Research proposal (max 30 double-spaced pages, including required sections: abstract, problem statement, aims, background, methods, budget, IRB/animal use documentation, biographical sketch) - NIH-format biosketch for all investigators ([template](https://www.adha.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Biosketch_Form_D_Template-1.pdf), [instructions](https://www.adha.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Biosketch_Form_D_Instructions.pdf)) - Final report required for disbursement of funds - Proposals should align with the [ADHA National Research Agenda](https://www.adha.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/7111_National_Dental_Hygiene_Research_Agenda.pdf). - Human and animal subject protections (IRB/IACUC) must be documented if applicable. - Indirect costs are generally not funded except in exceptional circumstances (up to 15%). --- ## Additional Information - Priority is given to projects addressing the ADHA National Research Agenda, including topics such as education models, workforce, preventive interventions, and access to care. - Final reports and annual progress reports are required; non-compliance may affect eligibility for future funding. - Grant recipients are encouraged to submit their work for publication in the *Journal of Dental Hygiene*. - Funds are awarded to institutions, not individuals. - Allowable expenses include research materials, personnel, and limited travel for presentation at the ADHA Annual Conference. --- ## External Links - [ADHA Foundation Research Grants Program Page](https://www.adha.org/foundation/research-grants/) - [Application Portal](https://my.reviewr.com/s2/site/FY26researchgrants) - [Research Grant Guidelines and Sample Application (PDF)](https://www.adha.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Research_Grant_Guidelines_and_Sample_Application.pdf) - [ADHA National Research Agenda (PDF)](https://www.adha.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/7111_National_Dental_Hygiene_Research_Agenda.pdf) - [NIH Biosketch Template (PDF)](https://www.adha.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Biosketch_Form_D_Template-1.pdf) - [NIH Biosketch Instructions (PDF)](https://www.adha.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Biosketch_Form_D_Instructions.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |--------------------|----------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [Contact ADHA](https://www.adha.org/contact-us) | | Email | [email protected] | | Mailing Address | 444 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3400, Chicago, IL 60611 | ---

Research Grants - American Dental Hygienists' Association

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