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In partnership with the Colgate Palmolive Company, the National Dental Association Foundation (NDAF) is dedicated to increasing the diversity among oral health research faculty, expanding the scientific knowledge of oral health and disease, driving innovation that improves patient outcomes and community health, and broadening the understanding of the social determinants of oral health disparities and inequities. The following suite of programs underscores Colgate and NDAF’s shared vision of supporting the next generation of diverse oral health researchers and to building healthier communities of color.

HOWARD/MEHARRY COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM

A cornerstone of this partnership is the annual funding of the collaborative research initiative between Howard University College of Dentistry and Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry. The program addresses critical issues underlying health disparities and inequities in under-resourced communities of color while strengthening institutional research capacity and encouraging student involvement in research.

This initiative not only contributes to the scientific knowledge  understanding of oral health and disease but also fosters the professional growth of faculty and students. The knowledge, skills, and experiences gained through this collaboration aim to inspire students and ensure sustained research engagement at both institutions.

Recent Studies & Scholarly Publications
Howard Meharry Adolescent Caries Study

A two- year joint research project entitled Howard Meharry Adolescent Caries Study.  The purpose of the study was to examine the association between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption and dental caries prevalence among underserved Black adolescents. Publications:

Special Note: This paper is used for class discussions as part of an epidemiology course in the Chamberlain University, MPH Program.

COLGATE-PALMOLIVE / NDAF ANNUAL STUDENT RESEARCH DAY

Colgate-Palmolive / NDAF Annual Student Research Day

The Colgate-Palmolive / NDAF Annual Student Research Day is a prestigious event that brings together dental students from across the nation to showcase their research at Colgate’s Technology Center. Students present their projects to Colgate researchers, members of the leadership team, dental school deans, and the NDAF research team.

Participants compete for a monetary award, with the winning student earning the honor of being the luncheon research presenter at the NDA/NDAF Minority Faculty Forum during the annual NDA Convention. Many past participants have gone on to achieve remarkable success in both academic and professional dentistry careers.

COLGATE-PALMOLIVE / NDAF RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP AND MERIT  SCHOLARSHIP

TORCH Research Fellowship

The Trailblazers in Oral Health Research (TORCH) Scholars of African Heritage Fellowship Award recognizes and supports post-doctoral biomedical and dental clinician scientists of African descent who demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing oral health research that impacts communities of color.

This fellowship award reflects Colgate and NDAF’s commitment to increasing representation among dental scientists of color and fostering diversity in the oral health profession. The $70,000 award provides funding for:

  • Recipient’s stipend or salary.
  • Research supplies.
  • Up to $10,000 for travel to required research conferences and presentations.

The fellowship award also includes mentorship opportunities, professional development, and industry exposure. Recipients must adhere to the program’s terms, including the exclusion of institutional indirect costs or administrative overhead from the award. Institutions unable to comply with these terms will forfeit the award, which will then be offered to another applicant.

The awardee is announced annually at the National Dental Association Annual Convention, celebrating the exceptional scientific talent within communities of color.

Audacity to Dream Research Scholarship

The Audacity to Dream Research Merit Scholarship is an esteemed annual $5,000 award recognizing dental students who demonstrate academic excellence and exceptional commitment to applied or clinical research. Applicants should have participated in or contributed to research that advances oral health care, improves patient outcomes, or expands our understanding of dental science.

Applicants must also be actively involved in their local Student National Dental Association (SNDA) chapter, embodying its mission to promote diversity, mentorship, and community service in the dental profession. This scholarship celebrates students who are bridging research with practice and paving the way for innovative approaches in oral health.

The Audacity to Dream Research Merit Scholarship recognizes dental students who have display outstanding commitment to applied or clinical research. This award celebrates individuals who have participated in or contributed to research that advances oral health care, improves patient outcomes, or expands our understanding of dental science. Applicants must also demonstrate active involvement in their local SNDA chapter, championing its mission to promote diversity, mentorship, and community service within the dental profession. Ultimately, this scholarship honors students who are committed to bridging research with practice.

contingent upon submission of an annual application, and evidence of academic excellence and student leadership.

The Audacity to Dream Research Merit Scholarship recognizes dental students who have display outstanding commitment to applied or clinical research. This award celebrates individuals who have participated in or contributed to research that advances oral health care, improves patient outcomes, or expands our understanding of dental science. Applicants must also demonstrate active involvement in their local SNDA chapter, championing its mission to promote diversity, mentorship, and community service within the dental profession. Ultimately, this scholarship honors students who are committed to bridging research with practice.