Global Oral Health Small Grants Scheme 2026
The Global Oral Health Small Grants Scheme is designed to support early stage clinicians, researchers or evaluators who are passionate about improving access to safe, affordable oral healthcare in low and middle income countries (LMICs).
This grant exists because oral diseases affect an estimated 3.5 billion people worldwide, with the burden rising especially in LMICs. By applying, you can contribute to efforts that address urgent oral health needs and help ensure that prevention and care reach people wherever they live and whatever their income.
Funding amount
You can apply for up to £10,000 in funding. Applications requesting up to £5,000 may be more favourably considered due to the limited number of grants available.
Application deadline
Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm on Friday 20 March 2026.
Duration
Grants support projects lasting 6 to 12 months, beginning 1 July 2026, with all activities completed by 30 June 2027.
Who can apply?
1. Eligible applicants include early stage clinicians, researchers or evaluators based in:
- Countries receiving Official Development Assistance (ODA)
- World Bank low income or lower middle income countries (LMICs)
2. UK-based clinicians and researchers may take part as partners, but applications must be led and submitted by a researcher or institution in the country where the project will take place.
About this scheme
This scheme provides seed funding to strengthen or improve access to safe and affordable oral healthcare in LMICs.
Projects must identify a clear need, align with national oral health priorities or WHO’s Global strategy and action plan on oral health 2023–2030, and demonstrate measurable and sustainable impact.
Strong local partnerships are required, and proposals should aim to support capacity development, introduce innovations, improve standards of training, or widen access for underserved communities.
Eligible costs include:
- Training/workshop delivery and materials
- Travel-related costs such as visas, vaccinations, accommodation and subsistence (economy class only; restrictions apply)
- Communication costs for activities (e.g., teleconferencing)
- Baseline needs assessments
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Equipment up to 15% of the total grant
The scheme does not cover staffing costs, non-research travel, non-project IT equipment, or course/degree fees.
Terms and conditions
If awarded a grant, awardees will be required to:
- Apply for FDS RCS England membership or fellowship ad eundem (if eligible) and maintain membership for the duration of the grant.
- Submit interim progress reports and a final report detailing findings, recommendations and next steps.
- Present their research to FDS RCS England committees and stakeholders.
- Produce publishable quality papers or articles based on their research.
What you’ll gain from the scheme
- Potential membership or fellowship ad eundem with FDS RCS England (if eligible)
- Experience conducting applied oral health research in LMIC contexts
- Opportunities to collaborate with international and local partners (implied through partnership requirements)
- Skill development through training, evaluation and innovative practice (based on eligible activities)
- Funding to support research activities up to £10,000
- Support to produce presentations and publishable research outputs
How to apply
To apply:
- Complete the Global Oral Health Small Grants Scheme application form and upload it via the global oral health grants submission link.
- Submit your completed form by 11:59pm on Friday 20 March 2026.
Key dates
Once you submit your application:
- All applications will be reviewed in April 2026.
- Shortlisted applicants may be interviewed in May 2026.
- Successful proposals will be announced by Friday 26 June 2026.
How this scheme is funded
This scheme is offered by the Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
Contact us
For queries, contact our Global Affairs Office at global@rcseng.ac.uk.