DMD Research Program

The Kornberg School of Dentistry provides several research opportunities to students in the Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD) program. Research training is offered through Science in Dental Practice I and II courses, and students demonstrate their knowledge and experience by completing the research practice requirement, which consists of a

  • critical case review,
  • mentored research study or
  • systematic review.

Additionally, the annual Research Day provides an opportunity for students to present the results of their research and secure presentation time at national meetings held by the International Association for Dental Research and the American Public Health Association, among others. Learn more about research efforts at Kornberg.

Science in Dental Practice

Taken during the first year of study, the Science in Dental Practice (SIDP) I course offers insight into the science behind clinical dental practice. Students learn how to obtain and critically appraise scientific literature, in order to identify the best evidence for optimal dental care. The course also emphasizes the importance of innovation in dentistry.

Offered during the second, third and fourth years of study, the SIDP II course provides opportunities for hands-on participation in mentored scholarship and research. Students apply their experience to project-based learning by conducting research studies, systematic reviews or critical case reviews.

Research Studies

The following are several methods for approaching the research studies option.

Systematic Reviews

These are investigations that use scientific methods to identify, select, assess and summarize the findings of similar studies. The SIDP systematic review must answer a question relevant to oral healthcare or dental education by appraising the following types of literature.

  • Biomedical
  • Clinical
  • Educational
  • Epidemiologic
  • Translational

Critical Case Reviews

Students explore and review an interesting case they encountered during their clinical years, building a case review that stimulates critical thinking and contributes a unique learning experience or information that is new to Kornberg. Possible focuses for a critical case review include

  • diseases,
  • failed restorations,
  • techniques,
  • treatment methodologies and
  • unique risk factors.
Students in the audience during a Research Day event. View slideshow as list

Research Day

Held every spring, Research Day highlights the collective achievements of the Kornberg School of Dentistry by bringing together faculty and students to share their activities and findings. A culminating event for those completing DMD and postgraduate programs, Research Day provides an opportunity for students to present the results of their research studies. Select presenters are honored during an awards ceremony.

The event also includes a robust program of presentations by invited speakers, including the following recent guests.

  • Angela Lee Duckworth, University of Pennsylvania
    True Grit
  • Warren Grayson, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
    Traveling the Long Road to Clinical Translation of Tissue-Engineered Bone Grafts
  • Kenneth Kornman, Interleukin Genetics
    Inflammation: Your Health, and the Health of Your Patients
  • Marko Vujicic, Health Policy Institute at the American Dental Association
    What Got Us Here Won’t Get Us There: The Future of Dental Education and Practice

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