$10,000 Post-Doctoral Fellowship Award
One Award Annually
Applications open March 1 and closes midnight May 31
This $10,000 fellowship supports individuals pursuing advanced clinical training or graduate study in research, public health, administration, or law. It recognizes emerging leaders who demonstrate academic excellence, outstanding scholarship, a commitment to social justice, and dedication to improving oral health in systematically under-resourced communities.
The Dr. Clifton & Lois Dummett Fellowship honors Dr. Clifton O. Dummett (1919–2011), a distinguished educator, researcher, and advocate for social justice, and his wife, Lois Doyle Dummett, a historian and co-author. Dr. Dummett, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at USC, earned his DDS from Northwestern University in 1941 and later completed master’s degrees in periodontics and public health.
At age 28, he became the youngest dental school dean in the U.S. at Meharry Medical College. A champion for equality, his efforts in the ADA led to the elimination of restrictive membership policies. He also served as Editor-in-Chief of the NDA for 22 years. Together, the Dummett’s co-authored NDA II: The Story of America’s Second National Dental Association.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident status
- Be post-doctoral candidate pursuing advanced degree in a dental clinical specialty, research, public health, administration, or law.
- Be a current member of the National Dental Association (NDA)
- Evidence of a commitment to improving the oral health of systematically under-resourced communities.
- Awardee must submit a quotation and 30-second video expressing appreciation for the fellowship award within 30 days of notification. This content may be used on the NDAF website and other publications.
Application Requirements
Applicants must provide the following:
- Official dental school transcript
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Professional photo
- A letter of request for consideration that describes how the funds will be used and describes the program you are entering.
- Written narrative (maximum 500 words) detailing your professional aspirations, notable academic achievements, and why you believe you deserve this fellowship award.
- A letter of nomination from your Program Director
- The total cost of post-graduate program and stipend amount you will receive, if applicable
- Two letters of recommendation
- One of which must come from one of your current professors other than your Program Director
- Letters from family members, relatives, or students are not accepted
- Completed Photo and Video Release Form.
Dr. Clifton O. Dummett (May 20, 1919 – September 7, 2011) was a distinguished educator, researcher, and social justice advocate. Along with his wife, Lois Doyle Dummett—a dedicated historian and co-author—he championed equity in dentistry and beyond. Dr. Dummett was Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of the University of Southern California. He pursued undergraduate studies at Howard and Roosevelt Universities before earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Northwestern University in 1941, later obtaining master’s degrees in periodontics and public health from Northwestern and the University of Michigan, respectively.
In 1947, Dr. Dummett was appointed dean of the School of Dentistry at Meharry Medical College, making history as the youngest dental school dean in the United States at just 28 years old. A tireless advocate for equality, he introduced a resolution in the American Dental Association (ADA) House of Delegates that helped eliminate restrictive membership policies. He also served as Editor-in-Chief of the National Dental Association (NDA) for 22 years, shaping its voice and influence.
Together, Dr. Dummett and Lois co-authored NDA II: The Story of America’s Second National Dental Association, published by the NDA Foundation in 2000. Internationally renowned for his contributions, Dr. Dummett authored hundreds of articles on dental history, public health, and social justice, leaving a profound and enduring impact on the profession and the community.