2025 Dr. Ronald A. Bell Mentor of the Year Award

Purpose: This award was created to honor and remember Dr. Ronald A. Bell who established “a unique relationship with his residents.” The award recognizes someone who has been instrumental in mentoring pediatric dentistry residents and new pediatric dentists.  The award was renamed in 2014 to honor and remember Dr. Ronald A. Bell.  
Andy Sonis of Newton, Massachusetts, said, “Many of us in academics admired Ron’s accomplishments. However, what truly distinguished Ron was a unique relationship with his residents. During their 2-year tenure, Ron served not only as their teacher and mentor, but also as their spiritual and personal adviser. He truly loved his residents, and they loved him back! Great friends are hard to come by, and many of us, both professionally and personally, have lost a great friend.”

Award: A $2,500 donation will be made by the FCOD to the pediatric dentistry program of the recipients' choice.  This annual award will be presented at the COD annual meeting.

*Nominators do not have to be board certified, only the nominated person does.

Criteria: The nominee must:
1. Be or has been (in the case of memorial awards) a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
2. Possessing attributes critical to being a mentor.
a. Relevant Expertise or Knowledge
b. Enthusiasm for Sharing That Expertise
c. A Respectful Attitude
d. Eagerness to Invest in Others
e. The Ability to Give Honest and Direct Feedback
3. Have a history of supporting pediatric dentists in their careers on professional and personal levels.

a. Reflective Listening and Empathy
b. Actively advocating for you

4. Have led other pediatric dentists by example to be a leader in our profession.  
a. Actively participates in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
b. Actively participates or has held an office with the College of Diplomates
c. Has or had and active role in the certification process of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry 
d. Holds Fellow status or office holder in other organized dental organizations 
e. Has received awards from one or more organizations that highlight service to the profession of dentistry. 

Nomination: After 10 years, an awardee is eligible to be nominated again for consideration. The person submitting this form must be a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. 

Due Date: Nominations must be submitted or postmarked by February 15, 2026.
 
Questions?
Submit your questions via email to Dr. Maria Simon mls.nsdc@gmail.com