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

Purpose: This award was created to honor Dr. Paul Walker’s memory, who instilled the importance of becoming board certified to every board candidate he met. We are forever grateful to his dedication to the cause of board certification and the development of future leaders within the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.  

Award Description: The FCOD will give a $1,500 donation to a board-certified pediatric dentist who has shown leadership potential. This annual award will be presented during the AAPD annual meeting at the General Membership meeting of the College of Diplomates.  

Qualified Applicants: The nominee must:

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

2. Be within the first 15 years of their career.

3. Have led other pediatric dentists by example to be a leader in our profession by being an active member of the AAPD, ABPD, and/or the College of Diplomates.

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.
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); additionally, applicants are eligible after two years have lapsed since they served on the COD of FCOD Boards.

Final Selection Criteria: Please include in a cover letter the following information with your application.

A personal statement / letter of nomination by the applicant or nominator in support of the candidate.

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

All contributions that apply to the following listed categories

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. Involvement in the mentoring of potential candidates for Diplomate status with the ABPD
4. Participation at their institution in helping candidates prepare for the OCE and/or qualifying exam
5. Involvement in other activities advancing the cause of pediatric dentistry

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

• Curriculum Vitae;
• Personal statement of 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.

Dr. Mary Hayes
E: maryjhayes@msn.com
W: www.thecollegeofdiplomates.org

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.