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The indispensable role of research in dental education
*Corresponding author: Anil Kishen BDS, MDS, PhD, Professor and Dean, Arthur Zwigenberger Decanal Chair, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, 124 Edward Street, Toronto, ON, Canada. anil.kishen@utoronto.ca
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Received: ,
Accepted: ,
How to cite this article: Kishen A, Prakki A. The indispensable role of research in dental education. J Academy Dent Educ. doi: 10.25259/JADE_45_2025
WHY RESEARCH MATTERS: BENEFITS BEYOND THE CLINIC
In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, the importance of research in dentistry can not be overstated. As dental schools strive to prepare future oral health professionals for an increasingly complex and evidence-driven profession, research must be viewed not as an optional enhancement to education, but as a core, indispensable pillar of the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)/Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)/Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) curriculum. When research is meaningfully integrated into dental education, undergraduate students gain not only clinical proficiency but also the intellectual capacity to drive innovation, champion advocacy, and lead the field forward.
At the heart of modern dentistry lies the commitment to evidence-based care. Research cultivates the intellectual rigor and clinical judgment that define exceptional practitioners. Future dentists must not only apply existing knowledge but also critically evaluate it and contribute to it. Engaging with research enables students to question assumptions, analyze data, and synthesize findings into actionable clinical decisions. This ability to appraise and generate evidence is no academic luxury; it is a clinical necessity in ensuring safe, effective, and patient-centered care. Integrating research into dental education enhances critical thinking and a comprehensive understanding of evidence-based practice. It allows students to analyze data, question assumptions, and make informed clinical decisions that improve patient care.
Contemporary dentistry is revolutionized by scientific investigation, paving the way for everything from bioactive biomaterials to cutting-edge tissue engineering and regenerative therapies. It is fascinating how research and innovation are shaping the future of oral health. When DDS/DMD/BDS students engage in research, they participate in shaping the future of their profession. Exposure to research fosters creativity and opens pathways to discovery, ensuring that dentistry continues to evolve and respond to emerging challenges. Active participation in research by students fosters their creativity and facilitates innovative breakthroughs that have the potential to transform the future of dental care.
Dentistry is not static. New technologies, materials, and treatment modalities are constantly emerging. A research-oriented education instills in students the qualities of curiosity, skepticism, and adaptability–essential traits for lifelong learning. Moreover, research nurtures leadership, communication, collaboration, and resilience, connecting students with mentors and networks that guide their professional growth. Through rigorous research, students cultivate essential skills such as curiosity, adaptability, and a profound passion for discovery. These attributes not only facilitate lifelong learning but also advance their professional development in meaningful ways.
Research in dentistry also carries profound public health implications. Community-based studies highlight disparities in care and outcomes, providing the evidence needed to advocate for policy changes and improved access to care. Training DDS/DMD/BDS students as researchers empowers them to not only treat individual patients but also to advocate for communities and influence systems. Through research, students become advocates for public health using evidence to highlight disparities and influence policies that improve oral health outcomes for everyone.
OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES: CLOSING THE RESEARCH GAP
The integration of research into DDS/DMD/BDS programs offers significant advantages; however, various challenges persist. It is crucial to recognize and address these obstacles to realize the potential of research-driven education fully.
A crowded curriculum
The dental curriculum is already packed with biomedical sciences, preclinical laboratories, and clinical rotations. Without careful integration, research may become a procedural formality instead of a transformative experience. Programs should incorporate research seamlessly into existing coursework and clinical training, highlighting its relevance in dentistry rather than treating it as an afterthought.
The mentorship bottleneck
Research thrives on mentorship, yet many dental faculty are primarily clinicians with limited experience or time to guide student research. Institutions must invest in faculty development and create systems that recognize and reward mentorship as a critical academic responsibility.
Funding and infrastructure constraints
Research necessitates a range of resources, including laboratories, materials, software, and, frequently, funding for dissemination efforts. Educational institutions, particularly those with constrained endowments, may face significant challenges in adequately supporting student research initiatives. To address these obstacles, strategic investments in infrastructure, along with the development of external partnerships, can play a crucial role in enhancing research capabilities.
Student engagement and institutional culture
Not all dental students enter their programs with a strong enthusiasm for research. Therefore, it is essential for academic programs to demonstrate the relevance of research to clinical practice. This can be achieved through the provision of incentives such as academic credit, opportunities for publication, and formal recognition. In addition, the institutional culture should promote research as a foundational element of education, supported by leadership that values both scholarly pursuits and clinical performance.
STRATEGIES FOR INTEGRATION: BRIDGING SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
To enhance the educational experience of DDS students through research, several strategic initiatives may be implemented:
Early and integrated learning: Introduce research methodology, biostatistics, and critical appraisal during the 1st year of study, complemented by journal clubs, seminars, and systematic literature reviews.
Mentored research projects: Facilitate the pairing of students with faculty mentors to provide meaningful, hands-on research experiences, which will culminate in presentations or publications.
Practice-based and translational research: Engage students in clinically relevant research activities through practice-based research networks and create opportunities for exposure to translational science.
Interdisciplinary and community engagement: Promote collaborative efforts with disciplines such as medicine, public health, engineering, and behavioral sciences. In addition, engage students in community-based research initiatives aimed at addressing oral health disparities.
Recognition and incentives: Acknowledge student research contributions by providing stipends, awards, dedicated research days, and academic credit. This approach will reinforce the significance of research within the institution’s culture.
Integration with quality improvement (QI) Initiatives: Link student research with institutional QI projects, allowing them to contribute to real-time improvements in clinical care and operations.
A CALL TO ACTION
The future of dentistry is contingent not only upon the development of skilled practitioners but also upon the cultivation of inquisitive and analytical minds. Research serves to transform students into scholars, clinicians into innovators, and professionals into advocates and leaders. The integration of research into dental education is not simply an academic endeavor; it represents a professional and ethical obligation.
It is essential that our educational systems foster not only proficient practitioners but also knowledge creators, innovators, and advocates for equity. By embedding research within the foundational framework of dental programs, we can equip a new generation of dentists to enhance both the scientific and artistic dimensions of dentistry.
The time for action is now.