SHERIDAN, WYOMING – June 24, 2025 – Dentsply Sirona, in collaboration with the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) and the SCADA Alumni Association, has announced a new initiative to fund early-career research in dental, oral, and craniofacial biology. The AADOCR SCADA/Dentsply Sirona Research Award will provide up to $10,000 to emerging dentist-scientists pursuing academic careers.
New award aims to strengthen academic pathways in dental research
The new award was created to support dentist-scientists, including SCADA program alumni, in their research careers. The award’s immediate goal is to support early-stage dentist-scientists such as post-doctoral scholars and pre-tenure faculty members, with a long-term objective of increasing the number of successfully funded dentist-scientists at the higher ranks in science and academia in the fields of dental, oral, and craniofacial (DOC) biology.
The award is designed to support the academic and scientific development of dentist-scientists toward an independent research career or a new area of research. Recipients will receive up to $10,000 toward the candidate’s research, the establishment of their research infrastructure, the completion of a research project, or preparing research for publication. As part of the terms of the award, the recipient must submit a report within 12 months of receipt of the award funding that describes the results of the progress achieved because of the award.
Deepening Dentsply Sirona’s long-standing support of academic research
Since its inaugural competition in 1959, the SCADA program has inspired students to recognize the value of dental research and has provided them with opportunities to enhance their research skills through experience and mentorship. By participating, competitors become part of the SCADA Alumni Association, joining a distinguished group of individuals who represented their respective schools and their countries’ programs. Alumni benefit from this global network, which connects students, dental schools, researchers, and clinicians worldwide. Dentsply Sirona has proudly supported the SCADA program since its first competition.
“At Dentsply Sirona, we are deeply committed to advancing oral healthcare through innovation and discovery,” said Dr. Rainer Seemann, Chief Clinical Officer at Dentsply Sirona. “By supporting academic and independent dental research, we empower the next generation of dental professionals to explore new frontiers in oral health, ultimately to improve outcomes for patients worldwide.”
Building structural support for emerging researchers
Applicants will be evaluated by a Special Committee of nine members made up of four SCADA Board alumni and five IADR/AADOCR members. Reviews will be based on scholarly excellence, quality and originality of projects, active commitment toward a career in DOC research, and personal needs related to challenges and/or obstacles in pursuit of an academic career. The application period opens on July 1, 2025.
“The new award introduces a stable funding source for dentist-scientists and is another example of how the AADOCR, its partners, and the SCADA Alumni Association support research in Dental, Oral, and/or Craniofacial Biology,” said Dr. Effie Ioannidou, President of the AADOCR.
The first recipient of the new award will be formally announced at the 2026 AADOCR Annual Meeting and SCADA Awards Ceremony in San Diego, CA. The award is funded by a generous donation from the SCADA Alumni Association and AADOCR.
Advancing sustainability and innovation through BEYOND
This initiative also reflects Dentsply Sirona’s commitment to “BEYOND: Taking Action for a Brighter World”, the company’s sustainability strategy, which includes supporting the next generation of dental professionals. The future of the dental industry relies on continued investment in education, innovation, and mentorship—empowering emerging talent to shape the future of oral health globally.
For more information, please visit: https://www.aadocr.org/awards/aadocr-scadadentsply-sirona-research-award.