As a profession, dentistry is based on a body of knowledge that can only be reliably acquired through high quality research. Australian dental academics, researchers and clinicians have a strong history and reputation in clinical, epidemiological and population oral health research.
The evolution of dentistry is directly related to advancements made through research.
Can we imagine dentistry today without high speed drills, fluoride, dental implants, cone beam CT, enamel remineralisation or advanced aesthetic dental materials. All of these came about as a result of dental research? Research has the capacity to impact on all areas of dentistry leading to improved delivery of care for our patients, reduction of risk factors and the burden of oral disease on individuals, the broader health system and the economy.
Despite improvements in oral health over the last 20--30 years, four out of ten young children (42%), and two out of three older children (64%) have experienced tooth decay; a prevalence five times higher than asthma for these age groups. Twenty-five per cent of adults have untreated tooth decay with higher rates experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, regional and remote residents and Australians on lower incomes.
More than 63,000 Australians are hospitalised each year for preventable dental conditions; the third highest reason for acute preventable hospital admissions in Australia.
Dental research in Australia must continue to be advanced and the Australian Dental Research Foundation (ADRF), a joint initiative of the Australian Dental Association (ADA) and the Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA), plays a critical role in funding dental and oral health research in Australia.
The ability of the ADRF to fund this important research depends heavily on the support of the dental industry and dental professionals.
To contribute to the work of the ADRF, visit the ADRF and make a donation today … every donation, no matter how big or small, makes a difference to supporting vital research aimed at fighting oral disease and improving the quality of life of Australians.
Research grants and scholarships
Each year donations made to the ADRF allow it to offer a range of grants and scholarships. To date, and with your help, the ADRF has awarded more than $3.5 million in over 2,000 grants and scholarships.
Applications are now open for the current round of grants and scholarships, with 31 March 2021 the deadline for final submissions for the following:
Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA) Research Grant
The ADIA Research Grant provides up to $25,000. As part of the conditions, the Researchers of the Award must agree to work with the ADIA to raise Awareness of the Grant, the ADRF and the research it is funding. In support of the development of innovative dental and oral healthcare treatment pathways, development of new products, sustainability in dental practices, and better understanding within the community of the importance of preventative care.
GC Australasia Dental Pty Ltd
The GC Australasia Award provides $5,000 supporting research in the field of minimum intervention dentistry.
Dr Syd Dobbin AM Grant
The International College of Dentists - Australasian Section provides this grant in honour of Dr Syd Dobbin AM. It provides up to $5,000 supporting research projects in the area of community oral health.
Oral Medicine Academy of Australasia
The Oral Medicine Academy of Australasia Research Award provides $2,000 to support the highest-ranked application in oral medicine research.
Australian Dental Association WA Branch Research Awards
The ADA WA Branch provides the following student grants to support research conducted at the University of Western Australia that is consistent with the objectives of the ADRF:
- ADA WA Doctor of Dental Medicine student ($3,000)
- ADA WA Doctor of Dental Medicine student ($5,000)
- ADA WA Doctor of Clinical Dentistry student ($5,000)
- ADA WA Clinical Dentistry student ($5,000)
The Clark Family Research Award
The Clark Family Research Award provides $10,000 in support of research in the area of clinical dentistry with a major focus on sustainability.
Straumann Group Award
The Straumann Group Award provides $5,000 in support of research aimed at improving knowledge in the area of implantology and tooth replacement solutions.
Trebitsch Research Grant
The Trebitsch Research Grant supports research in microbiology, biochemistry, immunology or molecular biology with relevance to clinical dentistry. The Award is made available for dental students working in groups or for dental student individual projects. On submission of a full manuscript of their findings, the recipient may also be eligible for the Leonard Hansen Prize.
Dr Reginald and Pamela Hession Award
The Dr Reginald and Pamela Hession Award supports a research program of surpassing merit or a travel grant to further such research.
Colin Cormie Scholarship
This scholarship valued at $8,600 is funded by the ADRF in honour of Colin Cormie OBE, upon whose initiative the ADRF was established, and aims to encourage dental research by either undergraduates who are willing to interrupt their degree with an intercalate year (a year in which an undergraduate pursues a separate but related research degree) or a graduated dentist who is willing to undertake a one-year research-based program leading to a further degree.
ADRF Dental Student Research Awards
Multiple awards of $2,200 each are available to support dental students undertaking an individual or group project, with supervisor(s) oversight. On successful completion of their projects, recipients may also be eligible for the Leonard Hansen prize.
