[American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research](https://www.aadocr.org)

February 28, 2026 (full application deadline)

Non-monetary award; recipient receives special recognition at AADOCR Advocacy Day.

Honors a student for outstanding advocacy in oral health research, recognized at AADOCR Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill.

--- ## Description This annual award from the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) recognizes a student who has made exceptional contributions to advocacy in oral health research. The award highlights student leadership in advancing dental, oral, and craniofacial research policy through activities such as legislative outreach, participation in advocacy events, and peer engagement. The recipient is honored at the AADOCR and Friends of NIDCR Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill in the spring, receiving public recognition for their advocacy efforts. The award is non-monetary and aims to encourage continued student involvement in science policy and advocacy. --- ## Due Dates - February 28, 2026: Applications closed — full application deadline --- ## Funding Amount - The award is non-monetary. - The recipient receives special recognition at the annual AADOCR Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. --- ## Eligibility - Open to current members of the AADOCR National Student Research Group (NSRG). - Students may self-nominate or be nominated by another AADOCR member. - The Gert Quigley Fellow and NSRG officers are not eligible. - Applicants must have participated in at least two of the following advocacy activities within the last calendar year: - Responded to an action alert from AADOCR or another oral health advocacy organization. - Met (in person or virtually) with a federal or state legislator or their staff. - Contacted a policymaker via email, letter, or phone. - Participated in or are registered for an AADOCR Advocacy Day. - Engaged other students in oral health advocacy. --- ## Application Process - Submit the application form available on the [AADOCR Student Advocate Award page](https://www.aadocr.org/awards/aadocr-student-advocate-award). - Provide personal information, including name, dental school, and contact details. - Write a brief essay (up to 500 words) addressing: 1. How you meet the criteria for the award. 2. The importance of advocacy for dental, oral, and craniofacial research. 3. Your role or interest in advancing AADOCR’s federal policy agenda. - Applications must be submitted by February 28, 2026. --- ## Additional Information - The award is announced at the annual AADOCR & Friends of NIDCR Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. - The recognition emphasizes the importance of student advocacy in shaping research policy and funding. --- ## External Links - [AADOCR Student Advocate Award – Official Page](https://www.aadocr.org/awards/aadocr-student-advocate-award) - [AADOCR Advocacy Day Information](https://www.aadocr.org/2025AdvocacyDay) - [AADOCR – Main Website](https://www.aadocr.org) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |-------------------|-----------------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------| | Yehuda Sugarman | Director of Government Affairs | [ysugarman@aadocr.org](mailto:ysugarman@aadocr.org) | +1.703.548.0066 | | General Inquiries | — | [AADOCR Contact Form](https://www.aadocr.org/about/contact-us) | |

Student Advocate of the Year Award

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