Foundation seeks educational proposal for grants

Aug. 23, 2005
Innovative ideas should foster a stronger dental education system.

The American Dental Association Foundation (ADAF) is looking for the best innovative ideas to help strengthen the nation's dental education system and will award up to $25,000 in unrestricted grants for them.

A total of $150,000 is available under the program.

"Stimulating innovation in dental education is a high priority of the ADA Foundation," explains Arthur A. Dugoni, D.D.S., ADAF president. "Our request for ideas that foster a stronger, securer dental education system reflects not only our commitment to advancing dental education, but it also impacts on our commitment to helping improve America's oral health."

Eligibility Criteria
According to the ADAF, charitable arm of the American Dental Association, dental schools, not-for-profits, and other organizations in the United States and its territories are eligible for the grants.

Organizations submitting proposals should focus on future projects, existing ones or projects that would be implemented if resources were available, addressing one or more of the following:

- New teacher training models
- New faculty practice models
- Incentives, or recognition programs, for teachers in dental schools
- Reformed business and curriculum structure at schools
- Innovative recruitment or retention programs for faculty
- Reformed business infrastructures at schools that enhance delivery of care
- Pooling various resources among dental schools or other institutions
- Addressing financial problem of renewed capital for schools and high student indebtedness

To be considered, submissions must:

a. Address how the innovative project/program ideas will enhance the delivery of dental education.

b. Demonstrate why the project/program ideas meet a critical need in dental education.

c. Address how the project/program ideas will enhance or complement existing programs.

d. Describe any challenges that currently inhibit your organization from implementing the innovative project/program ideas and identify the resources needed to overcome those challenges.

e. Create a budget that will identify the time, staff, and financial implications needed to implement the project/program ideas.

Final submissions must be received by November 1, 2005. Notification of applicants' status will occur by December 20, 2005.

For additional information, contact Lisa F. Barron, director of programs, ADA Foundation at (312) 440-4639 or [email protected] or visit www.adafoundation.org.