Research Programs


Research is an integral component of the school's research portfolio. From national fellowships and presentations to awards and recognition, CU's dental and graduate students expand their knowledge of evidence-based dentistry in the lab and clinic.

Clinical training and oral health research serve to improve the dental care provided to the public. Continuous progress in dental research enhances accuracy in diagnosis and improves patient management.  

At present, the School of Dental Medicine does not offer a DDS/PhD degree option. However, dental students are encouraged to participate in oral health research.

Summer Research Scholarship Program

Incoming dental students may apply for the Summer Research Scholarship Program. This program enables eligible students to experience basic science or clinical research for a sustained period of time during the summer prior to beginning their dental studies. The student conducts a research project for eight weeks under the direction of a faculty member in the School of Dental Medicine. Participating students are hired as student employees and are provided funds for supplies.

Student Research Group

The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine Student Research Group (SRG) is the Colorado Chapter of the AADOCR National Student Research Group (NSRG). The mission of the SRG is to provide dental students with exposure to research through discussion, direct participation and the presentation of research. 

The SRG holds monthly meetings that serve group members' interests and often include research presentations from CU faculty, visiting faculty and students currently working on research projects. The SRG strives to make students aware of research award opportunities as well as opportunities to attend research conferences. 

SRG participants are eligible to compete for awards at annual research competitions such as the School of Dental Medicine’s Research Day or the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Research Forum. Scholarships recognizing research engagement are available from the Colorado Chapter of the ARCS Foundation. At the national level, students are offered the opportunity to compete for the Hatton or SCADA Awards while participating in the annual meetings of the AADOCR/IADR as well as competitions held by the ADEA and others.