Trailblazers in Oral Health Research (TORCH) Fellowship Award
Forecasted
Trailblazers in Oral Health Research (TORCH) Fellowship Award supports underrepresented postdoctoral biomedical and dental clinician-scientists in oral health research to advance equity and address gaps in care.
Funder: National Dental Association Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $70,000 fellowship supporting one year of oral health research
Summary: Supports postdoctoral biomedical and dental clinician-scientists from historically underrepresented backgrounds to advance oral health research and equity.
Key Information: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a completed PhD or DDS/DMD and current advanced training.
Description
The National Dental Association Foundation (NDAF) and Colgate-Palmolive Company established the Trailblazers in Oral Health Research (TORCH) Fellowship Award to support outstanding postdoctoral biomedical and dental clinician-scientists from historically underrepresented backgrounds in the health sciences. The fellowship recognizes emerging scientists whose experiences and perspectives advance oral health equity and help address persistent gaps in care and knowledge.
TORCH supports proposed or ongoing research in four priority areas: dental caries, tooth whitening, gingival health, and dentin hypersensitivity. Alongside research funding, recipients receive mentorship, professional development, and industry exposure. The program emphasizes research dissemination through presentations to scientific and professional audiences and preparation of a manuscript for submission to a leading peer-reviewed journal.
