Excellence in dentistry deserves to be celebrated. Each year the Australian Dental Association (ADA) invites members to recognise the colleagues and peers who make a real difference to our profession and our communities. The 2025 ADA Awards recognise dentists, team members and supporters who have contributed significantly to the profession at a national level. Nominations opened on 1 August and close on 30 September, so now is the time to consider who you might put forward.
Whether you’ve been inspired by a mentor, seen a colleague dedicate countless hours to improving oral health, or know someone quietly providing extraordinary care, the ADA Awards are an opportunity to say thank you. This article summarises the award categories and explains how you can nominate someone before the end of September.
Key Summary
- Awards honour excellence: The ADA Awards recognise dentists and others who make outstanding contributions to dentistry or the ADA at a national level (ADA awards article).
- Wide range of categories: Awards include the Distinguished Service Award, Award of Merit, Valuable Service Award, Honorary Life Membership and Honorary Membership (ADA awards article).
- Nominations open now: Applications opened on Friday 1 August and will close on Tuesday 30 September (ADA awards article).
- Don’t miss the deadline: The ADA’s official social media accounts are reminding dentists to submit nominations before 30 September, so spread the word and honour those who go above and beyond (ADA Instagram post).
Summary note: This article offers a quick overview of the 2025 ADA Awards and the nomination process. It’s a friendly reminder to celebrate the unsung heroes of dentistry by nominating them before the 30 September deadline.
Recognising Excellence in Dentistry
The ADA Awards celebrate individuals who have made, or are making, a significant national contribution to dentistry. Award categories range from the Distinguished Service Award—for long and distinguished service by a dentist—to the Award of Merit, which honours non‑dentists who have delivered outstanding service to dentistry (ADA awards article). The Valuable Service Award recognises those who provide invaluable support to the ADA or to dentistry at a national level, while Honorary Life Membership and Honorary Membership acknowledge extraordinary contributions to the science and art of dentistry.
These awards are not just about applauding well‑known names. The ADA encourages nominations of people who go above and beyond to improve oral and general health, provide safe, high‑quality care and inspire others in their practices. Often these heroes are humble and would never promote themselves, which is why peer nominations are so important (ADA awards article).
How to Nominate
Submitting a nomination is straightforward. Visit the ADA’s awards page and use the Nominate now link to access the nomination form (ADA awards article). You’ll be asked to provide details about the nominee’s contributions, achievements and impact on the profession or community.
Key dates: Nominations opened on 1 August and close on 30 September. The ADA’s official Instagram reminder emphasises that nominations must be submitted by 30 September (ADA Instagram post). Take a few minutes to consider who has gone above and beyond in your network and submit their name before the deadline.
Recognising and celebrating excellence strengthens our profession. A nomination not only honours the recipient but also showcases the values of dedication, innovation and service that define dentistry. So, if someone’s work has inspired you this year, let the ADA know.
Conclusion
The 2025 ADA Awards are your chance to shine a light on the colleagues and partners who make dentistry stronger, kinder and more innovative. With nominations closing on 30 September, there’s still time to put forward someone who deserves recognition. Whether they’ve championed oral health, mentored the next generation or provided exceptional care, your nomination helps ensure their efforts are acknowledged and celebrated.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended as a general overview of the topic and should not be construed as professional legal or medical advice.
