Student Research Opportunities
Dental Student Research
Matriculating and enrolled pre-doctoral students at ECU’s SoDM are eligible for selection to participate in research through a variety of experiences: in the summer prior to entering the DMD program via the Summer Scholars Research Program, through participation in the Research Selective, as well as by engaging in group research projects as part of the course Community Oral Health Practice.
Summer Scholars Research Program Application
The Student Research Group (SRG) is a local chapter affiliated with the AADR national SRG and is an officially recognized SoDM student group. The objectives of the local chapter are to promote student research in dentistry and its related disciplines, to promote the advancement of dental research and related aspects, and to further student research. Membership is open to all predoctoral and undergraduate students expressing an interest in dental research. Past research experience is not a requirement for membership and participation in activities are not limited to members. Thus, through the SRG students are exposed to research-related activities that may influence or support their decision to pursue research. The SRG hosts journal clubs and speakers on topics of interest to their membership, and thus usually reflects clinically-relevant topics. The group provides student researchers a school presence, campus and national recognition, and social support through collegial and social activities of their own creation.
Celebration of Dental Research and Scholarship Posters
Opportunities
Undergraduate Student Research
Many undergraduate students interested in dentistry as a career seek research experiences. Similar to demonstrating interest in dentistry through clinical shadowing, pre-dental students with an interest in research are advised to demonstrate their motivation towards research with broadly applicable experiences. Valuable research experience occurs in many settings, and does not need to occur in a dental school setting in order to demonstrate a student’s interest in research. Pre-dental students are encouraged to pursue the wealth of opportunities for research available at their home institutions.
The SoDM provides research experiences for students seeking to fulfill an academic requirement associated with a specific ECU program. In those instances, the student’s faculty advisor or program director should make the initial contact with the SoDM Office of Research. The faculty request should include the student’s name and program, prior research background, and specific area of interest. Requests will be reviewed within the context of available faculty mentors and resources.
For inquiries related to student research at ECU SoDM, email dentalresearch@ecu.edu.