2025 TDHA Informative Poster Presentation Criteria
2025 Informative E-Poster Registration Form (January 16th, 2026) Please download a copy to fill out.
TDHA Student Oral Research Presentation Criteria 2026
Student Oral Research Presentation is a presentation using oral communication and a professional electronic poster to inform, clarify, and/or review material on a specific topic. The oral research presentation can be an original or literature reviewed topic.
To prepare your electronic poster:
- Identify a theme or topic for your poster presentation.
- Research your topic thoroughly and have reference documentation available (to be printed on back of the 5 printed pamphlets that will be for the judges).
- Be prepared for questions and discussion during question-and-answer session with
judges. - Be prepared to communicate the information clearly within the allotted time. Practice
your presentation so that you can discuss the key points without reading directly from
note cards. - Prepare your electronic poster presentation to effectively communicate and
supplement what you are saying. Avoid using sensationalized comments or images.
This presentation should be professional and based on sound science and qualified
references. - Practice your presentation with friends and colleagues. Ask for constructive criticism.
- Develop a single-page pamphlet that depicts your electronic presentation with
references listed on the back. Each presentation will need 5 copies of the pamphlet to
give to judges during the question- and-answer portion of the contest.
Content:
Purpose:
The purpose of Student Oral Research Presentation is to present a technique, theory, service, trend or expanded opportunity in the practice of dental hygiene/dentistry or oral and systemic health.
Scope and Depth:
The scope and depth of the presentation allows the topic to be presented comprehensively at a professional level.
Current and Accurate:
The information presented needs to current and accurately depicted.
Organization:
The information is presented in a logical, interesting sequence the audience can easily follow.
E-Poster, Text, and Graphics:
Rules & Specs:
Adheres to all rules and specifications as set forth by ADHA.
Visual Appeal:
The e-poster/template exhibits the following:
- Visually appealing, grabs the observer’s interest
- Appropriate photos and other images are included
- Easy to read and understand (avoid small print; use contrasting colors)
- Integrated into the presentation
Text/Graphics
Make sure there are no errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation. Information needs to be clear and concise. Do not contain any advertising material or commercial promotion. Drugs need to be identified by their generic or chemical formula (brand names can be in parenthesis following the chemical formula). Participant names may be on e-poster but name of school is not allowed.
Oral Presentation:
Knowledge of Subject:
Presenters demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge of the topic and progress smoothly through the presentation enhancing the material being presented.
Questions:
The presenters answer questions during question-and-answer session with judges, providing accurate and complete explanations.
Eye Contact:
The presenters maintain appropriate eye contact with the audience.
Communication Skills:
The presenters use communication skills appropriate to the dental hygiene profession, including:
- Clear voice
- Correct, precise pronunciation of terms
- Limited use of disfluencies (ah, uhm, etc.)
- Correct use of the English language
Dress Code
Professional attire is worn. Uniforms and lab coats are acceptable.
Time
Electronic Poster Presentation is appropriate length; not more than 6 minutes. There will be a red card held up at the 5 minute mark letting the presenters know that 1 minute is left.
Additional information:
Please make 5 copies of your electronic poster presentation in a 1-page pamphlet format with references listed on the back. This pamphlet will be utilized during the question-and-answer session with the judges.
Please provide your own charged laptop for reference during the Question-and-Answer session with the judges. There will not be electrical cords or outlets provided.
A sample template of electronic poster presentation is available to all schools participating in the Student Oral Research Presentation.
Please keep the text on the electronic poster (slide) to a minimum.***Do not display your dental hygiene school affiliation or your instructor or advisor’s name on the electronic poster. The inclusion of school affiliation or name of advisor/instructor will disqualify your presentation. Additionally, do not state the name of your school during your verbal presentation to the attendants or to the judges. The inclusion of school affiliation or name of instructor/advisor will disqualify your presentation.
2026 TDHA Student Oral Research Presentation Criteria
2026 TDHA Undergraduate Student Oral Research Presentation Judges Form
Registration Due 1/16/2026
Final presentation slide Due 2/10/2026 11:59 p.m. (email to dhet.posters@gmail.com)
