The future shines bright: Dentsply Sirona and the AADOCR honor inspiring student researchers with the 2022 SCADA Awards

The future shines bright: Dentsply Sirona and the AADOCR honor inspiring student researchers with the 2022 SCADA Awards

Dentsply Sirona and the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) congratulate the recent winners of the 2022 Student Competition for Advancing Dental Research and its Application Awards (SCADA) program. Dental students participated in the virtual competition and awards ceremony as part of this year's AADOCR/CADR Annual Meeting & Exhibition.

SCADA-Logo

Charlotte. The 63rd annual SCADA student research competition and awards program was once again held virtually and provided an opportunity for dental students to present their research to a distinguished panel of judges.

All US dental schools were invited to nominate a student to participate in the research competition among one of two categories - Clinical Science and Public Health Research, and Basic and Translational Science. Each student submitted an abstract for review to the 2022 AADOCR/CADR Annual Meeting & Exhibition. Upon acceptance of the abstract, participants submitted a complete portfolio for review to an international panel of judges, including an electronic copy of their research poster, a slide presentation, and a video of the oral presentation. Research projects were submitted by 49 outstanding student clinicians and six award winners were selected.

In addition, Dentsply Sirona sponsored 12 student research competitions in 12 countries, and seven of these student winners were honored during the awards program. These students represented the following countries, Canada, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand.

A program dedicated to research and international networking

SCADA was initiated in 1959, and Dentsply Sirona and the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research have continued this tradition as co-sponsors of this leading dental student research competition. The SCADA program includes a Global and a US Student Clinician Research competition and an annual Awards Program. The competition and award program have gained widespread recognition, and it has engaged over 10,000 dental students from 28 countries since its inception.

SCADA is committed to two main goals. First, the program aims to strengthen the field of dental research by supporting young professionals in early stages of their research careers. Moreover, it offers a unique opportunity for students to network with clinicians and scientists from all over the world as they develop their skills and advance their careers. While the networking opportunity was curtailed, students interacted and had the opportunity to showcase their work and gain valuable skills as they virtually presented their research.

After the 2021 IADR/AADR/CADR General Session & Exhibition, the American Association for Dental Research expanded its name to American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) to better engage and represent the multidisciplinary scientists who advance dental, oral, and craniofacial research. Information about the 2023 SCADA student research competition and awards program will be available on the AADOCR website.

SCADA advances science and improves global oral health

"Seeing the impressive lineup of winners in this year's SCADA brings an immense pride in today's generation of dental students," said Dr. Rainer Seemann, Vice President Global Clinical Research with Dentsply Sirona. "The SCADA program and our collaboration with the AADOCR align with Dentsply Sirona's commitment to innovation and education. Through this partnership, we aim to support the ingenuity of young professionals who are eager to embark on a career in academia or in their own practices. This year's program is no different as participants were given opportunities to hone various skills related to scientific inquiry, project development, management and presentation to colleagues and peers - skills that will prove essential for many years to come."

Dr. Jacques Eduardo Nör, President of the AADOCR (2021-2022), announced the winners of the student competition. "These young researchers are the future of dentistry and oral health care. I am honored to shine a spotlight on their creativity and achievements," commented Dr. Nör. He continued to announce the winners in Category 1, Clinical Science and Public Health Research. The first place was awarded to Jack Harris, Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Second place was awarded to Noah Barnes, A.T. Still University - Missouri. Third place was awarded to Taylor Jackson, Meharry Medical College.

In Category 2 - Basic and Translational Science - first place was awarded to Sofia Park, University of Minnesota. In second place, Emma Warren, University of Connecticut. Third place was awarded to Erin Britt, Virginia Commonwealth University.

The student participants were grateful for the opportunity to continue with the competition using a virtual format. "This experience has allowed me to learn and contribute to the advancement in dental and craniofacial research, which has challenged me to become a forward-thinking health professional," said Sofia Park from University of Minnesota.

Additional awards beyond the SCADA competition

The SCADA Board of Directors also announced two fellowship recipients and presented awards recognizing leaders in dental research. SCADA provides fellowship funding to promote continued scholarship and help support graduate education. Two post-doctoral students were awarded Henry M. Thornton SCADA Fellowships: Fadi Titinchi, University of Portsmouth, in United Kingdom and Dr. Tanner Godfrey, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry.
The SCADA Board of Directors recognizes leaders for their commitment to the advancement of dentistry with two additional awards. Dr. Kimon Divaris from the Adams School of Dentistry received the Burton C. Borgelt / SCADA Faculty Advisor Award.

The Alan J. Davis / SCADA Achievement Award recognizing a clinician scientist for outstanding service to the dental profession was awarded to Dr. Laurie McCauley. Dr. McCauley is the current Dean of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Professor in the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, William K and Mary Anne Najjar Professor of Periodontics, and Professor of Pathology in the Medical School. Recently, Dr. McCauley has been recommended as University of Michigan's next provost and executive vice president for academic affairs by President Mary Sue Coleman.

More information about SCADA and other awards granted: www.scadaresearch.org
The awards program is available for viewing at https://youtu.be/snv-Jm5TWTc

Overview: 2022 winners of the SCADA Competition and awards
SCADA Competition Winners Category I: Clinical Science and Public Health Research

1st Prize: Jack Harris, Harvard School of Dental Medicine,

2nd Prize: Noah Barnes, A.T. Still University - Missouri

3rd Prize: Taylor Jackson, Meharry Medical College

SCADA Competition Winners Category II: Basic and Translational Science Research

1st Prize: Sofia Park, University of Minnesota

2nd Prize: Emma Warren, University of Connecticut

3rd Prize: Erin Britt, Virginia Commonwealth University

Henry M. Thornton SCADA Fellowship Award

Fadi Titinchi, University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom

Dr. Tanner Godfrey, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry

Burton C. Borgelt / SCADA Faculty Advisor Award

Dr. Kimon Divaris, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry

Alan J. Davis / SCADA Achievement Award

Dr. Laurie McCauley, Dean, School of Dentistry at University of Michigan

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