"Frontiers in Oral Health Science"
A Summer Research Program for Selected Dental Students

Qualified dental students will spend a summer doing research at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.

2004 Awardees | Photos

The NIDCR Summer Dental Student Award is designed to promote the professional careers of talented dental students through exposure to the latest advances in oral health research and administration. You will be assigned a mentor and research project that correspond to your qualifications and interests. You will gain hands-on experience in basic or clinical research. Participation may result in presentation of research findings at a scientific meeting and coauthorship of scientific publications.

NIDCR's offices, laboratories, and clinics use state-of-the-art technologies to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of oral diseases. Should you be selected, you will work alongside outstanding scientists using the most advanced molecular, computer, and other relevant technologies to study the development of orofacial tissues and to understand and combat the diseases and disorders that affect them.

You will be able to select from active study areas such as:

• Adherence and virulence factors of oral bacteria
• AIDS research
• Autoimmune diseases
• Biomimetics
• Bone/mineralized tissue formation and pathology
• Cartilage structure and development
• Cell adhesion molecules
• Cell signaling
• Cytokines and inflammation
• Genetic regulation of nerve and blood vessel regeneration
• Pain mechanisms and imaging
• Population genetics and gene mapping
• Protease biochemistry
• Salivary gland development, function and dysfunction
• Taste and smell
• Vaccine development
• 3-D molecular modeling

Eligibility

Applicants must be enrolled in accredited U.S. dental schools. U.S. citizenship or permanent residence is required. Applicant's dental school must agree to provide travel support.

Program Length and Financial Support

NIDCR provides a stipend for a minimum of 8 weeks during the summer. The nominating dental school provides support for air or ground transportation.

Application Procedure & Schedule

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Application package consists of:

1. Resume/curriculum vitae
2. Description of applicant's research experience
3. Letter from applicant stating the reason for applying and what the applicant wishes to accomplish at NIDCR
4. Nominating letter from the dean of the dental school highlighting student's accomplishments and assuring payment of round-trip transportation for the student
5. Up to three letters of recommendation from teachers or colleagues
6. College and dental school transcripts

Review and Selection

The Summer Student Research Committee at NIDCR will review the applications and select awardees. Important considerations will include the academic record, letters of recommendation, and potential for success in the research programs. Final acceptance is contigent upon available mentorhip in the student's research area of interest.

Notification

Award notices will be mailed by February 15. After notification, each student will have the opportunity to select mentors from NIDCR staff and arrange for housing. Final assignments will be made by the Summer Student Research Committee.

Application Submissions and Further Information

Send applications and direct questions about the program or application procedures to:

Dr. Albert Avila
Director, Office of Education
NIDCR, NIH
Building 30, Room 131
30 Convent Drive MSC 4310
Bethesda, MD 20892-4310
Telephone: (301) 402-0799
E-mail address: NIDCRtraining@mail.nih.gov