ADA calls for Golden Apple Awards entries

Has your society developed an innovative program or activity that deserves national recognition?

The ADA is now seeking nominations for the 20th Golden Apple Awards, an annual occasion that provides component and constituent societies with an opportunity to celebrate the successes of their leaders, members and staff.

The program offers 10 categories, some with subcategories, for participation:

• Legislative Achievement;
• Excellence in Membership Recruitment and Retention;
• Excellence in Dental Health Promotion to the Public;
• Excellence in Member-Related Services/Benefits;
• Outstanding Achievement in the Promotion of Dental Ethics;
• Achievement in Dental School/Student Involvement in Organized Dentistry;
• Excellence in Science Fair Program Support and Promotion;
• Excellence in Dentist Well-Being Activities;
• Open Category鈥擮ffered for the first time last year, the Open Category is for an innovative, successful program that does not fit into any other existing category;
• Inspiring Careers in Dental Education鈥擭ow open to nominations from not only constituent and component dental societies but also other dental organizations and members at large.

Programs and activities must have been produced between June 1, 2007, and May 31, 2008. For “Excellence in Dental Health Promotion to the Public,” the programs and activities must have been produced between June 1, 2007, and May 1, 2008.

There are two different deadlines for entries. Entries for “Excellence in Dental Health Promotion to the Public” must be postmarked or sent by e-mail by end of day on Thursday, May 1.

Entries in all the other categories must be postmarked or sent by e-mail by end of the day on Monday, June 2; or received by U.S. mail no later than June 9.

Nominations for the New Dentist Legislative Leadership Award, the New Dentist Leadership Award and Outstanding Leadership in Mentoring Award (judged by the ADA Committee on the New Dentist) were due Dec. 1 to enable these awards to be presented at the ADA New Dentist Conference in June.

This year, Golden Apple Award entries can be submitted electronically. Entry forms may be found at www.adadentalsociety.org. Electronic copies are encouraged, but hard copies will be accepted.

Once completed, forms and supporting materials can be sent to ddss@ada.org.

If you have questions, contact Ron Polaniecki, Ext. 2599 or polanieckir@ada.org.