Alexandria, VA – The AADOCR is now accepting applications for Cohort 6 of the Mind the Future Program, thanks to the generous support of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health.
The AADOCR Mind the Future program has been instrumental in fostering five cohorts of early-career investigators in the dental, oral, and craniofacial (DOC) research workforce. The network's principal purpose has been to establish a robust and enduring national mentoring program centrally managed by AADOCR. The overarching goal is to develop a sustainable, nationally recognized mentoring network that enhances the career development of early-career DOC researchers with merit-based opportunities for all. The program aims to continue to cultivate a robust pathway of future DOC researchers who can address critical scientific challenges.
For year six, up to ten program participants will be selected and must commit to at least one full year of mentoring education/activities. Twelve months will be devoted to enhancing research career development through intensive hands-on work, combining in-person sessions with distance-learning components and engaging in mentored grant writing experience. Mentees are also strongly encouraged to remain engaged with the program to foster peer mentoring and to support further career development based on individual needs and preferences.
“AADOCR is delighted to continue the sixth year of this mentoring network program with a generous grant from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health,” said AADOCR President Effie Ioannidou. “The scientific challenges of the future will require a generation of researchers fully equipped with the tools to meet them.”
“Groundbreaking research doesn’t happen without strong mentorship and a solid foundation of support,” said Trenae Simpson, Senior Director of Philanthropy at CareQuest Institute. “We’re proud to support AADOCR’s efforts to develop the dental, oral, and craniofacial research workforce for the future.”
The AADOCR Mind the Future Program is open to early-career faculty/investigators (postdoctoral or junior faculty) in academic and research institutions who wish to advance their careers in dental, oral and craniofacial health research. Principal investigators are IADR/AADOCR CEO Christopher Fox, Effie Ioannidou of the University of California San Francisco, and David Drake of the University of Iowa.
Apply by August 29, 2025 - https://www.aadocr.org/awards/mind/aadocr-mind-future-application
About AADOCR
The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research is a nonprofit organization with a mission to drive dental, oral, and craniofacial research to advance health and well-being. AADOCR represents the individual scientists, clinician-scientists, dental professionals, and students based in academic, government, non-profit and private-sector institutions who share our mission. AADOCR is the largest division of the International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research. Learn more at www.aadocr.org.
About CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit championing a more equitable future where every person can reach their full potential through excellent health. We do this through our work in philanthropy, analytics and data insights, health transformation, policy and advocacy, and education as well as our leadership in dental benefits and innovation advancements. We collaborate with thought leaders, health care providers, patients, and local, state, and federal stakeholders, to accelerate oral health care transformation and create a system designed for everyone. To learn more, visit carequest.org and follow us on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.