Address social media misinformation through ADA student video contest

Submissions due by Sept. 8

Imagine you see patients share misleading oral health messages on social media about “do-it-yourself” dental care. What would you advise the public, including other health professionals, about these misleading messages?

That is the prompt for the American Dental Association’s 2026 Dental Student Health Literacy Video Contest, which is currently accepting submissions.

The contest is open to students at all U.S. dental schools. Videos should address misleading oral health messages found on social media and demonstrate how to communicate accurate, science-based information using plain language and health literacy best practices. They should be 60 to 90 seconds in length and shot vertically, and students may collaborate with their classmates.

The contest is held each year by the National Oral Health Literacy Alliance, a group of health literacy experts and practicing dentists who advise the ADA Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention. The work of the alliance centers on helping dentists and team members communicate with patients in a way that is clear and understandable, thus improving patients’ oral health literacy.

“The Health Literacy Video Contest empowers students to go beyond the clinic and become advocates for improved patient communication and understanding,” said Shailee Gupta, D.D.S., chair of the alliance. “Through short, engaging videos, they can showcase their passion, creativity and commitment while having fun and making oral health information accessible, relatable and trustworthy.”

Videos can address one or more topics, including do-it-yourself dental care, teeth whitening, tooth extractions, clear aligners, fluoridation, dental radiographs, filling materials and toothpastes.

The final submission deadline is Sept. 8, but students who submit their videos by Aug. 15 may request that their submissions be prescreened to confirm they comply with contest rules.

First place will receive $2,000 plus travel to the 2027 American Dental Education Association Annual Session & Exhibition in Chicago, second place will receive $1,000, and third place will receive $500. Team members will share each monetary prize.

Students should submit their videos and entry forms to caap@ada.org. For more information, including technical specifications and content restrictions, visit ADA.org/healthliteracy.