The Somerville-based nonprofit rose in rankings from No. 4 in the previous fiscal year
Somerville, Mass. – The ADA Forsyth Institute ranks No. 1 in funding to U.S. dental institutions, according to the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) rankings for fiscal year 2025. The NIDCR announced that ADA Forsyth researchers brought in over $11.8 million in grant funding in 2025.
ADA Forsyth has reached the top ranking for NIDCR funding for the first time since 2010. The Institute also stood top of the rankings in 2003.
“I am so proud of our incredible researchers for their hard work in pursuit of advancements in oral health and its connection to systemic health,” said ADA Forsyth CEO Dr. Wenyuan Shi. “While we are thrilled to reach the top spot, we understand the research funding environment remains challenging for every institution. I sincerely hope for improving circumstances across the nation for oral health research and innovation.”
The significance of this moment is predicated on ADA Forsyth’s 116-year track record of commitment and credibility in research and clinical care. “ADA Forsyth’s sustained output of high-quality science directly influences how the community understands, diagnoses, treats, and manages health and disease,” said Dr. Ben Wu, ADA Forsyth Chief Scientific Officer and Chief Operating Officer.
ADA Forsyth has demonstrated sustained growth in grant funding over the previous two decades. The Institute has been ranked among the top 10 every year since the NIDCR rankings began in 2002 – an accomplishment shared by only three other institutions. In addition to having the smallest faculty size among the top dental institutions ranked nationally by the NIDCR, ADA Forsyth has also seen strong annual growth in NIDCR funding since 2020.
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About the ADA Forsyth Institute
The ADA Forsyth Institute is a top-tier, NIH-funded nonprofit research institute focusing on dental and craniofacial exploration, the connection between oral and overall health, and playing a convening role in oral health innovation. Founded in 1910 as the Forsyth Dental Infirmary for Children and later known as the Forsyth Dental Center and then The Forsyth Institute, the organization has played a key role in advancing dental care. In October 2023, Forsyth integrated with the American Dental Association. ADA Forsyth powers the dental profession through cutting-edge basic research, creative translational science, and development of new technology. Consistent with ADA Forsyth’s founding mission, the ForsythKids mobile dental program continues to serve children in need.
