Dental research priorities and availability of research opportunities for dental students

The American Student Dental Association surveyed 69 dental deans representing schools in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico to assess the priority of research and the role of dental students in research activity. Student interest, curricular requirements, potential funding, and opportunities available, as related to dental research, were topics included on the questionnaire. The results indicate that although the percentage of dental students seeking research involvement is small, opportunities and financial support for research are available in most dental schools as part of the regular curriculum.