ADEA/Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals, Inc./National Dental Association Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Scholar in the ADEA Leadership Institute

Purpose

The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) has partnered with the Colgate-Palmolive Co. and the National Dental Association to create the ADEA/Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals, Inc./National Dental Association Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Scholar in the ADEA Leadership Institute Award.

Jeanne C. Sinkford, D.D.S., Ph.D., was the first woman to become a dean of a U.S. dental school (Howard University College of Dentistry). She is a renowned scholar and champion of the advancement of women in dental education, the dental profession and the medical sciences. In her present position as ADEA Senior Scholar in Residence, Dr. Sinkford promotes the growth of underrepresented minority and women students and faculty in dental education. The Sinkford scholarship provides the opportunity for a dental educator who is closely aligned with the promotion of equity, diversity and inclusion to participate in the ADEA Leadership Institute.

Overview

The Sinkford Scholar will receive a $7,500 stipend for tuition and fees for his or her participation in the ADEA Leadership Institute.

Eligibility Requirements

An applicant must:

• Demonstrate strong leadership qualities.
• Demonstrate interest and work in equity and diversity issues in the profession.
• Be an ADEA Individual Member.
• Be a member of the National Dental Association.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to also hold active memberships in the National Dental Association.

The recipient of the scholarship must have submitted the ADEA Leadership Institute’s application materials in a timely manner, be selected to attend the ADEA Leadership Institute and have their dean or program director’s support to cover any costs of the ADEA Leadership Institute above the amount of the award.

Application Process Checklist

Using the ADEA online application process, applicants must submit an application by Sept. 15, 2025 for the ADEA Leadership Institute and indicate an interest in being selected as the ADEA/Colgate-Palmolive Co./National Dental Association Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Scholar in the ADEA Leadership Institute.

The ADEA Leadership Institute application requires the following:

1. Two letters of recommendation from professional colleagues.
2. A letter of recommendation from the dean of the applicant’s dental school or the program director of his or her allied dental education program, stating how the applicant’s participation will benefit the applicant, the institution and dental education.
3. A current curriculum vitae.
4. Your application to this scholarship will use the information in your ADEA profile. Please ensure your profile is updated by going to adea.org/myadea.

The dean of the applicant’s dental school or the program director of his or her allied dental education program agrees to pay the fellow’s full salary and benefits during the scholarship year and to support the fellow’s travel and personal expenses associated with participation in the ADEA Leadership Institute, including airfare, ground transportation, lodging and meals.

De-identified applicant information will be used to improve scholarships at ADEA and may be published. Identified information (e.g., biographies) of successful winners will be published on the ADEA website, shared with your home institution, and may be used in ADEA promotional material. By applying to this scholarship, you agree that you have read and understand how your information could be used.

Application Deadline

All application materials must be received by Sept. 15, 2025.

Notification Date and Award Announcement

Scholarship recipients and applicants not receiving awards will be notified by Dec. 5, 2025.

Awards will be announced during the 2026 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition, March 21–24, 2026, in Montreal, Canada.