Criteria
1. Advancement of Policy Change
Description: This criterion evaluates the nominee's efforts to influence or advocate for meaningful policy changes at local, state, or national levels that benefit the dental profession or improve access to oral health care.
Examples: Successful lobbying for dental coverage in public insurance programs, advocating for dental workforce expansion, or influencing legislation that addresses oral health disparities.
2. Leadership in Raising Awareness
Description: This criterion recognizes the nominee’s role in raising public awareness about critical dental issues, from access to care to preventive oral health, through educational campaigns, media outreach, or public speaking.
Examples: Leading national oral health awareness campaigns, engaging in public speaking at conferences or in the media, or spearheading initiatives to highlight the connection between oral health and overall health.
3. Collaboration and Coalition Building
Description: Advocacy is often most impactful when done collaboratively. This criterion evaluates the nominee’s ability to build alliances with other healthcare professionals, organizations, and policymakers to achieve shared goals.
Examples: Forming coalitions with public health organizations, collaborating with legislators on oral health policy, or working with other dental or healthcare organizations to amplify the impact of advocacy efforts.
4. Impact on Underserved and Vulnerable Populations
Description: This criterion focuses on the nominee’s advocacy for policies or initiatives that address the oral health needs of underserved, vulnerable, or marginalized communities.
Examples: Advocating for expanded access to dental care for low-income populations, pushing for inclusion of oral health services in health equity initiatives, or working on behalf of children, the elderly, or those in rural areas.
