2026 Paul Walker Leadership Award Foundation of the College of Diplomates (COD) of the ABPD

Purpose: This award was created to honor the memory of Dr. Paul Walker.  He instilled the importance of becoming board certified to every board candidate he met. We are forever grateful to his dedication to board certification and the development of future leaders within the College of Diplomates and the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.  Dr. Walker was a leader in every sense of the word: he initiated novel programs and was fearless in promoting the specialty of pediatric dentistry.  

Award Description: Candidates with visionary qualities are sought for the Walker Award which recognizes leadership in many areas of pediatric dentistry: clinical, educational, community, research, advocacy and organized dentistry. The FCOD will award a $1,500 expense voucher to the recipient to be applied to pediatric dentistry specialty meeting expenses in order to attend a COD Study Club or AGM meeting in upcoming year. This annual award will be presented during the College of Diplomates annual meeting at its General Membership meeting.  

Qualified Applicants: The nominee must:

1. Be a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

2. Demonstrate identifiable leadership qualities in the candidate’s career in pediatric dentistry.

3. Be or have been involved in specific efforts to improve the specialty of pediatric dentistry, achieving stated goals effectively and leading the effort to success.

Experiences in activities under the aegis of the ABPD, the COD, pediatric dentistry residency programs will be especially appreciated. Experiences with other organizations such as ADEA, AAPD and the ADA are also of value.

Preference will be given to those applicants in their early Diplomate career.

Nomination:  The person submitting this form must be a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. 

Restrictions:  

1. Self-nominations are not eligible for the Paul Walker Award unless accompanied by one letter of recommendation and the application essay written by a recommending board-certified pediatric dentist. 
2. The applicant cannot be a current member of the Boards of the College of Diplomates of the ABPD (COD) or the Foundation of the COD (FCOD); those applicants are eligible after two years have lapsed since they served on the COD or FCOD Boards. 

Final Selection Criteria: Please include the following information in a cover letter:

An application essay/ letter of nomination by the applicant or nominator in support of the candidate detailing examples of the nominee’s leadership qualities, service and involvement in the specialty of pediatric dentistry.

Include the applicant’s Curriculum Vitae focusing on the following additional information:

1. Involvement in the Oral Comprehensive Examination (OCE) or Exam Committee of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD).
2. Involvement in the activities and or promotion of the activities of the College of Diplomates of the ABPD (COD).
3. Note offices held in organized dentistry and its expended community, committee appointments, programs implemented and honors received.
4. Involvement in other activities advancing the cause of the specialty of pediatric dentistry.
   

How to Apply: Complete an application and upload the following documents as well as the application:

• Curriculum Vitae;
• Application essay/letter of recommendation.
• Supporting documentation such as news clippings, organization newsletters, award notification or certificates, videos, etc. are encouraged.

Deadline:  A complete application must be received on or before February 15, 2026.
Incomplete materials will not be considered.

By submitting this application, all components, including attachments, may be used by the FCOD for promotional use. This award may result in income tax consequences to the recipient.  If selected, the recipient should consult with his/her financial and tax advisor.