Professor Kidd has been involved with dental research and teaching for over 30 years. She started her research career with studies on model systems to better understand aspects of the dental caries process. Always she has had her eye on practical clinical applications of research knowledge. She has contributed much regarding when and when not to "drill and fill" caries lesions, how to determine whether carious tissue has been removed, and whether this has clinical outcomes. Her studies on restorative materials, secondary caries, antibacterial treatment of caries bacteria, and practical fluoride applications have contributed much to practical dentistry. Professor Kidd has played an important role internationally in the development of better early caries detection methods and the relationship of early detection to diagnosis and treatment planning. She has been tireless in her efforts to educate researchers, teachers, and practicing dentists and has written many excellent review articles for this purpose, as well as contributing to and editing several textbooks on cariology and caries treatment.
The IADR Research in Dental Caries Award consists of a cash prize and a plaque. It is one of 15 Distinguished Scientist Awards conferred annually by the IADR, representing the highest honor the IADR can bestow.