The CDA/Dentsply Sirona Student Research Program

The CDA/Dentsply Sirona Student Research Program offers a unique opportunity for one dental student from each of Canada’s 10 dental schools to participate in a national research competition.

The program is intended to support the advancement of dentistry by introducing dental students to research. Managed by CDA and sponsored by Dentsply Sirona Canada, the competition is convened at the CDA's annual national convention held in conjunction with a CDA Corporate Member.

Established in 1971, the national research competition invites undergraduate dental students—selected by their respective faculty—to present and discuss their research before a panel of qualified judges and fellow conference attendees. The Canadian program is part of the international division of the Student Competition for Advancing Dental Research and its Application (SCADA), which was established by Dentsply International and the American Dental Association in 1959 and now includes student research competitions in 10 countries.

Winners of the competition are announced during an awards ceremony sponsored and hosted by Dentsply Sirona, which generously provides first- and second-place prizes of $2,000 and $1,000, respectively.

In addition, participating dental students are invited to attend the annual Pierre Fauchard Academy luncheon, where each receives a $1,000 scholarship. The academy has long played a vital role in supporting this program through the contributions of the Pierre Fauchard Academy Oral Health Foundation.

Since its inception, CDA and Dentsply Sirona Canada have worked closely to inspire and recognize promising young researchers committed to exploring innovative solutions to a wide range of oral health challenges.