National Dental Association · 113th Convention

Convention AwardsHonoring Excellence in Dentistry & Service

Recognizing the professionals, leaders, and changemakers who advance oral health equity and shape the future of our communities.

12+
Award Categories
30+
2026 Honorees
750+
Expected Attendees
Architects of ChangeRichmond 2026July 16–19Celebrating ExcellenceOral Health EquityArchitects of ChangeRichmond 2026July 16–19Celebrating ExcellenceOral Health Equity

113th Annual NDA Convention

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Support the 113th Annual NDA Convention and celebrate the leaders, mentors, and changemakers shaping our profession by purchasing an ad in the Official Souvenir Journal. It's a meaningful way to honor an awardee, promote your business or organization, and invest in the continued mission and impact of the NDA family.

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2026

2026 Convention Award Recipients

To be honored at the 113th National Convention · Richmond, Virginia · July 16–19

Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Faculty Forum

Thursday, July 16 — 12:00 PM
Dr. Marvellous Akinlotan
Faculty Recognition — Research
Dr. Marvellous Akinlotan
Texas A&M University College of Dentistry
Dr. LaQuia Walker Vinson
Faculty Recognition — Teaching
Dr. LaQuia Walker Vinson
Indiana University School of Dentistry
Dr. Daniel Young
Emerging Leader Award
Dr. Daniel Young
A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health

Chairman's Awards — Opening Session

Thursday, July 16 — 6:00 PM
Mrs. Diane Scott
Chairman's Commendation for Service
Mrs. Diane Scott
National Dental Hygienists' Association
Dr. Bryant Jones
Chairman's Commendation for Service
Dr. Bryant Jones
NDA Secretary, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Tim Kitch
Chairman's Commendation for Strategic Partnership
Tim Kitch Posthumously
Former CEO, ADI Mobile Health
Dr. Matilde Hernandez
Chairman's Commendation for Strategic Partnership
Dr. Matilde Hernandez
Colgate Palmolive, Global Sr. Director
Dr. Steven Chan
Chairman's Commendation — Access & Inclusion
Dr. Steven Chan
Dr. John Maupin
Chairman's Commendation
Dr. John Maupin
Ms. Barbara Selden
Chairman's Commendation
Ms. Barbara Selden
Dr. Nate Fletcher
Chairman's Commendation
Dr. Nate Fletcher
Life Member Awards
Dr. Cheryle Baptiste Hill  ·  Dr. Loren Alves  ·  Dr. Wallace Bellamy  ·  Dr. Ronald T. Blanchette
Past President's Award
Dr. Cheryle Baptiste Hill
Convention Co-Chairs
Dr. Victor Amarteifio  &  Dr. Daryl Allen

Social Justice Breakfast

Friday, July 17 — 7:00 AM
Dr. Jaha Howard
Dr. C.O. Simpkins Social Justice Award
Dr. Jaha Howard
Georgia State Senator, Pediatric Dentist
Gary L. Flowers
Drum Major for Justice Award
Gary L. Flowers
Civil Rights Advocate & Media Commentator

Women's Health Symposium Awards Luncheon

Saturday, July 18 — 11:30 AM
Dr. Tawana Ware
Phenomenal Leadership Award
Dr. Tawana Ware
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist & Educator
Amy Kitch Bowen
Phenomenal Corporate Award
Amy Kitch Bowen
CEO, ADI Mobile Health
Senator L. Louise Lucas
Phenomenal Woman of Courage Award
Senator L. Louise Lucas
President pro tempore of the Senate of Virginia
Dr. Donna Grant-Mills
Phenomenal Community Impact Award
Dr. Donna Grant-Mills
Associate Dean, Howard University College of Dentistry
Dr. Wakeshi L. Benson
Phenomenal Woman Visionary / Vanguard Award
Dr. Wakeshi L. Benson
Managing Orthodontist/Owner of WB Orthodontics

President's Gala

Saturday, July 18 — 7:00 PM
Dr. Randy Adams
Legacy Award
Dr. Randy Adams
Pediatric Dentist & VCU Dental Alumnus
Dr. Carlos Smith
Torchbearer Award
Dr. Carlos Smith
VCU School of Dentistry, Associate Dean
Dr. Camesia Matthews
Emerging Leader — Mentorship & Youth Development
Dr. Camesia Matthews
General & Sports Dentist, Author
Dr. Emma Guzman
Emerging Leader — Local Society Impact
Dr. Emma Guzman
President, Greater Metro New York Dental Society

President's "Architects of Change" Awards

Saturday, July 18 — 7:00 PM
Dr. Josh Golden
Architects of Change
Dr. Josh Golden
Founder, The Golden Foundation
Dr. Laila Hishaw
Architects of Change
Dr. Laila Hishaw
Founder, Mentorships in Dentistry (MIND)
Dr. Jeanette Sabir-Holloway
Architects of Change
Dr. Jeanette Sabir-Holloway
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Dr. Larry Dunham
Architects of Change
Dr. Larry Dunham
Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Dr. Madeline Anderson-Thomas
Architects of Change
Dr. Madeline Anderson-Thomas
Former NDA Board Chair
Phillip "Doc" Martin
Architects of Change
Phillip "Doc" Martin
Dentist, Musician & Entertainer
Dr. Ronald Blanchette
Architects of Change
Dr. Ronald Blanchette
Sacramento NDA Chapter
2026 Categories

Award Categories

Recognizing extraordinary contributions across dentistry, leadership, community impact, and social justice.

Legacy Award

Discretion of NDA leadership — recommended every 3 years

One of the Association's highest honors recognizing lifetime achievements creating lasting, transformative impact on the NDA and communities we serve.

  • 20+ years of distinguished service
  • Transformational systems, access, or policy impact
  • Senior NDA or allied org leadership
  • Mentorship and pipeline development

Trailblazer Award

Discretion of NDA leadership — recommended every 3 years

Honors a pioneering leader who has broken barriers, created new pathways, and driven bold innovation advancing the NDA mission.

  • Barrier-breaking firsts and historic achievements
  • New programs, models, or care delivery systems
  • Cultural, educational, or legislative shifts
  • Trajectory of continued transformative leadership

Torch Bearer Award New

Annual

Honors transition from SNDA to NDA leadership — celebrating members who carried their student commitment into professional service and continued to lead within the Association.

  • SNDA leadership service
  • Active NDA membership (2 consecutive years)
  • Current or recent NDA leadership role
  • ≥2 years post-DDS/DMD

Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Faculty and Research Forum

The National Dental Association Foundation (NDAF) and Colgate Palmolive invite you to participate in the Faculty Recognition Awards Competition. The awards represent recognition of individuals whose actions produce a balance between dental educators and dental practitioners through joint efforts of the National Dental Association and the American Dental Education Association.

Faculty Recognition Award for Research

Annual — NDAF & Colgate Palmolive

  • Ongoing research
  • Publications
  • Promotion of research for students and colleagues
  • Presentations at scientific/professional meetings

Faculty Recognition Award for Teaching

Annual — NDAF & Colgate Palmolive

  • Teaching effectiveness
  • Personal interactions with students
  • Time in service, tenure, etc.

Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Emerging Leader Awards New

Annual · Up to 10 Honorees

Recognizes NDA members with 1–7 years of teaching whose leadership advances oral health equity, professional excellence, and service to underserved communities.

  • Active NDA membership
  • ≥2 years post-DDS/DMD
  • Presented during Opening Session / Plenary

Women's Health Symposium Awards

Recognizing women and organizations whose leadership, courage, and vision are transforming health equity and advancing the mission of the NDA.

Phenomenal Leadership Award

Male/Female

Distinguished professional accomplishments, visionary leadership, measurable outcomes, mentoring future leaders, and high ethical standards.

Phenomenal Corporate Award

Organizations, Male/Female Led

Organizations advancing health and wellness through community engagement, DEI policies, sustainable philanthropy, and documented impact.

Phenomenal Woman of Courage Award

Female

Women who have overcome significant challenges with bravery, resilience, and advocacy — turning personal trials into community impact.

Phenomenal Community Impact Award

Male/Female

Sustained community service leadership in healthcare access, health literacy, education, and service to underserved populations.

Phenomenal Woman Visionary / Vanguard Award

Female

Barrier-breaking achievement, forward-thinking innovation, industry transformation, and advancement of representation.

Social Justice Awards

Honoring bold advocates whose leadership at the intersection of dentistry and justice has driven lasting systemic change in our communities.

Dr. C.O. Simpkins Social Justice Award

Annual

Extraordinary leadership advancing social justice, health equity, and systemic change. Requires 5+ years of commitment and community outreach.

Drum Major for Justice Award

Annual

Bold leadership at the forefront of social change — using voice, platform, and influence to champion justice and mobilize communities.

New Awards

Emerging Leader in Humanitarianism & Community Impact

Honors a member whose service to underserved communities through volunteerism, outreach programs, or humanitarian efforts exemplifies the NDA's commitment to oral health equity.

Emerging Leader in Social Justice & Civic Engagement

Celebrates a member who is using their voice and platform to advocate for systemic change, health policy reform, and justice within dentistry and the broader community.

Emerging Leader in Health Equity & Advocacy

Recognizes a member actively working to eliminate oral health disparities through research, policy, community engagement, or direct patient care in underserved populations.

Emerging Leader in Mentorship & Youth Development

Honors a member dedicated to investing in the next generation — through pipeline programs, student mentorship, or youth outreach that strengthens the future of the dental profession.

Emerging Leader in Local Society Impact

Celebrates a member whose active engagement within their local NDA component society has strengthened organizational capacity, member engagement, and community presence.

2025
Past Recipients

2025 Convention Award Recipients

112th National Convention · Kansas City, Missouri

Minority Faculty, Administrators & Practitioners Awards

Thursday, July 10th
Dr. LaToya Barham
Teaching Award
Dr. LaToya Barham
Dr. Eleanor Fleming
Research Award
Dr. Eleanor Fleming
Dr. Nina Ray
Administration / Service
Dr. Nina Ray

Convention Co-Chairs

112th Convention — Kansas City
FC
Convention Co-Chair
Dr. Fallon Cunningham
AH
Convention Co-Chair
Dr. Antjuan Hampton

President's Gala

Friday, July 11th
ED
President Special Recognition
Mr. Elmer Dixon
ES
President Special Recognition
Dr. El Senzengakulu
Founder & Director, Ujamaa School
LG
Legacy Award
Dr. Leslie Grant
LH
Scientific Sessions Chairman
Dr. Leroy Horton
SB
Scientific Sessions Chairman
Dr. Stephen Brisco
SH
Community Impact Award
SWOPE Health
NC
Past Presidents Award
Dr. Nicole Cheek

Women's Health Symposium Awards Luncheon

Saturday, July 12th
Dr. Brian Swann
Achievement & Leadership
Dr. Brian Swann
Dr. Nicole McGrath Barnes
Woman of Courage
Dr. Nicole McGrath Barnes
AJ
Woman Trailblazer
Dr. Anne Lambert Johnson
Ms. Angela Martinez
Corporate Award
Ms. Angela Martinez
Dr. Tania Nkungula
Community Leadership
Dr. Tania Nkungula
LaShawn Walker
Award of Excellence
LaShawn Walker

Social Justice Luncheon Awards

Sunday, July 13th
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver
Social Justice Award
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver
MJ
Drum Major for Justice
Melesa Johnson

40 Under 40 Honorees

112th Convention — Kansas City
Dr. Lena Adams
40 Under 40
Dr. Lena Adams
Dr. Aalieyah Billings
40 Under 40
Dr. Aalieyah Billings
AB
40 Under 40
Dr. Aneesa Bone
Dr. Dominique Bonner
40 Under 40
Dr. Dominique Bonner
Dr. Jowhar Brown
40 Under 40
Dr. Jowhar Brown
SB
40 Under 40
Dr. Stephanie Brown
DC
40 Under 40
Dr. Darryl Caesar
DC
40 Under 40
Dr. Maj Damien Lamaar Cuffie
CD
40 Under 40
Dr. Chione Daniel
DD
40 Under 40
Dr. Drake Dudley
JE
40 Under 40
Dr. Jonathan Elmore
EE
40 Under 40
Dr. Eric Ennuson
Dr. Sheld'onia Evans
40 Under 40
Dr. Sheld'onia Evans
Dr. Niekia Franklin
40 Under 40
Dr. Niekia Franklin
Dr. Brandon Goodloe
40 Under 40
Dr. Brandon Goodloe
Dr. Khara Gresham
40 Under 40
Dr. Khara Gresham
EG
40 Under 40
Dr. Emma Guzman
Dr. Joshwin Hall
40 Under 40
Dr. Joshwin Hall
Dr. Rasheeda Johnson
40 Under 40
Dr. Rasheeda Johnson
Dr. Jordan Jones
40 Under 40
Dr. Jordan Jones
Dr. Kenneth Jones
40 Under 40
Dr. Kenneth Jones
LJ
40 Under 40
Dr. Latoya Joseph
TK
40 Under 40
Dr. Travis Kimble
RL
40 Under 40
Dr. Richard Long
Dr. Anthonio McFadden
40 Under 40
Dr. Anthonio McFadden
Dr. Shawn Mitchell
40 Under 40
Dr. Shawn Mitchell
Dr. Brandon Morgan
40 Under 40
Dr. Brandon Morgan
SN
40 Under 40
Dr. Sandra Nnodim
TO
40 Under 40
Dr. Tiffany Otto
BO
40 Under 40
Dr. Bethel Ozumba
Dr. Danielle Smith
40 Under 40
Dr. Danielle Smith
HS
40 Under 40
Dr. Hana Solomon
Dr. Marissa Spruell
40 Under 40
Dr. Marissa Spruell
Dr. Shon Tyler
40 Under 40
Dr. Shon Tyler
RU
40 Under 40
Dr. Ruth Umoren
Dr. Simeon O. Udunka
40 Under 40
Dr. Simeon O. Udunka
JW
40 Under 40
Dr. Jessica Williams
VA
40 Under 40
Dr. Victor N. Amarteifi

Nominate for the 113th Convention

Help us recognize the individuals making an impact in oral health equity across our communities.

Congressional Awards

Senator Angela Alsobrooks

Congressional Award
Hill Day Reception · May 6, 2026
Congressional Awards

Senator Cory Booker

Congressional Award
Hill Day Reception · May 6, 2026
Congressional Awards

Congressman Lloyd Doggett

Congressional Award
Hill Day Reception · May 6, 2026
Congressional Awards

Congressman Mike Simpson

Congressional Award
Hill Day Reception · May 6, 2026
Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Faculty Forum

Dr. Marvellous Akinlotan

Faculty Recognition Award for Research
Faculty Forum · Thursday, July 16, 2026 · 12:00 PM
Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Faculty Forum

Dr. LaQuia Walker Vinson

Faculty Recognition Award for Teaching
Faculty Forum · Thursday, July 16, 2026 · 12:00 PM
Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Faculty Forum

Dr. Daniel Young

A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health
Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Emerging Leader Award
Faculty Forum · Thursday, July 16, 2026 · 12:00 PM
Chairman's Awards — Opening Session

Mrs. Diane Scott

Chairman's Commendation for Service
Opening Session · Thursday, July 16, 2026 · 6:00 PM
BJ
Chairman's Awards — Opening Session

Dr. Bryant Jones

Chairman's Commendation for Service
Opening Session · Thursday, July 16, 2026 · 6:00 PM
Chairman's Awards — Opening Session

Tim Kitch

Posthumously
Chairman's Commendation for Strategic Partnership
Opening Session · Thursday, July 16, 2026 · 6:00 PM
Chairman's Awards — Opening Session

Dr. Matilde Hernandez

Chairman's Commendation for Strategic Partnership
Opening Session · Thursday, July 16, 2026 · 6:00 PM
Chairman's Awards — Opening Session

Dr. Steven Chan

Chairman's Commendation for Access & Inclusion
Opening Session · Thursday, July 16, 2026 · 6:00 PM
Chairman's Awards — Opening Session

Dr. John Maupin

Chairman's Commendation
Opening Session · Thursday, July 16, 2026 · 6:00 PM
Chairman's Awards — Opening Session

Ms. Barbara Selden

Chairman's Commendation
Opening Session · Thursday, July 16, 2026 · 6:00 PM
Chairman's Awards — Opening Session

Dr. Nate Fletcher

Chairman's Commendation
Opening Session · Thursday, July 16, 2026 · 6:00 PM
Social Justice Breakfast

Dr. Jaha Howard

Dr. C.O. Simpkins Social Justice Award
Social Justice Breakfast · Friday, July 17, 2026 · 7:00 AM
Social Justice Breakfast

Gary L. Flowers

Drum Major for Justice Award
Social Justice Breakfast · Friday, July 17, 2026 · 7:00 AM
Women's Health Symposium Awards Luncheon

Dr. Tawana Ware

Phenomenal Leadership Award
WHS Awards Luncheon · Saturday, July 18, 2026 · 11:30 AM
Women's Health Symposium Awards Luncheon

Amy Kitch Bowen

Phenomenal Corporate Award
WHS Awards Luncheon · Saturday, July 18, 2026 · 11:30 AM
Women's Health Symposium Awards Luncheon

Senator L. Louise Lucas

President pro tempore of the Senate of Virginia
Phenomenal Woman of Courage Award
WHS Awards Luncheon · Saturday, July 18, 2026 · 11:30 AM
Women's Health Symposium Awards Luncheon

Dr. Donna Grant-Mills

Associate Dean, Howard University College of Dentistry
Phenomenal Community Impact Award
WHS Awards Luncheon · Saturday, July 18, 2026 · 11:30 AM
Women's Health Symposium Awards Luncheon

Dr. Wakeshi L. Benson

Managing Orthodontist/Owner of WB Orthodontics
Phenomenal Woman Visionary / Vanguard Award
WHS Awards Luncheon · Saturday, July 18, 2026 · 11:30 AM
President's Gala

Dr. Randy Adams

Legacy Award
President's Gala · Saturday, July 18, 2026 · 7:00 PM
President's Gala

Dr. Carlos Smith

Torchbearer Award
President's Gala · Saturday, July 18, 2026 · 7:00 PM
President's Gala

Dr. Camesia Matthews

Emerging Leader in Mentorship & Youth Development
President's Gala · Saturday, July 18, 2026 · 7:00 PM
President's Gala

Dr. Emma Guzman

President, Greater Metro New York Dental Society
Emerging Leader in Local Society Impact
President's Gala · Saturday, July 18, 2026 · 7:00 PM
President's Gala

Dr. Josh Golden

President's Architects of Change Award
President's Gala · Saturday, July 18, 2026 · 7:00 PM
President's Gala

Dr. Laila Hishaw

President's Architects of Change Award
President's Gala · Saturday, July 18, 2026 · 7:00 PM
President's Gala

Dr. Jeanette Sabir-Holloway

President's Architects of Change Award
President's Gala · Saturday, July 18, 2026 · 7:00 PM
President's Gala

Dr. Larry Dunham

Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
President's Architects of Change Award
President's Gala · Saturday, July 18, 2026 · 7:00 PM
President's Gala

Dr. Madeline Anderson-Thomas

Former NDA Board Chair
President's Architects of Change Award
President's Gala · Saturday, July 18, 2026 · 7:00 PM
President's Gala

Phillip "Doc" Martin

Dentist, Musician & Entertainer
President's Architects of Change Award
President's Gala · Saturday, July 18, 2026 · 7:00 PM
President's Gala

Dr. Ronald Blanchette

President's Architects of Change Award
President's Gala · Saturday, July 18, 2026 · 7:00 PM