Compete for the Backer Dirks Prevention Prize 2026!

Do you have an innovative project that could be of significance for preventive oral care?
Perhaps you work with children, the elderly, or a vulnerable group. Or is your intervention applicable to a very broad audience? Your preventive approach can make all the difference in the chair, but it can also be important in a broader social context.

The award is for the most special, inspiring or controversial initiative in the field of preventive oral care.

The Backer Dirks Prevention Prize 2026 is an initiative of the Ivory Cross and Dental Tribune and is sponsored by Colgate and the Backer Dirks Fund Foundation.

What do you have a chance to win?

• Projects with an impact on behavior, awareness and/or accessibility of oral care.
• Current, creative and effective interventions that contribute preventively to better oral health.
• Projects that stimulate interprofessional collaboration (healthcare, education, welfare).
• Own research in studies or theses on (new) products and methods.

Submit your entry before January 15, 2026

A jury will assess the entries based on topicality, impact, originality and social relevance.
Email your submission to: PreventiePrijs@ivorenkruis.nlYou can also ask questions there.

What does the prize consist of?

The jury will nominate the three best entries from the submissions. These entries will be published in the March issue of Dental Tribune published.

The Backer Dirks Prevention Prize 2026 will be awarded at the annual conference of the Ivory Cross, on April 11, 2026 The first, second, and third prizes will then be announced. The first prize comes with a prize of €250, the second prize with €150, and the third prize with €100. All prize winners will also receive a certificate.

On the various media channels of the Ivory Cross and Dental Tribune the necessary publicity for the award-winning prevention projects follows.

Prevention deserves a prize!