In the clinical area, research specialization may emphasize cariology, periodontal disease, malocclusion, radiology, diagnostic sciences, soft tissue lesions, and dental materials. Alternatively, general areas of focus such as geriatric dentistry, behavioral science, health services research and epidemiology also offer attractive research possibilities. A research career is pursued in a dental school, dental research institute, a government agency, or within the private sector. Most research related to dentistry takes place in standard biomedical laboratories, clinical research facilities, and related environments. Advantages Research contributes to the advancement of knowledge and patient care technologies related to the dental health field.
Research is essential to the continued advancement of the dental profession.
A research career offers a challenging, creative and collegial work environment. The stimulation of delving into unanswered questions and generating new knowledge is highly rewarding. Some individuals are uncomfortable with the commitment and degree of focus required. Early communication allows faculty to assist in providing opportunities to acquaint the student with investigative methods, especially if this experience was not provided in undergraduate education. In addition to the practical experience of the dental student working with faculty researchers, there are also summer programs in research centers.