University of Florida College of Dentistry Student Research Group
Home
What is SRG?
Membership & Benefits
Research Opportunities
SRG Officers and Members
Student Research Projects
Student Awards & Honors
Activities/Future Events
Pictures
FAQ
Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions
.  
Q: What are the research opportunities available for dental students?
A: Research opportunities are available at both UFCD and national levels. Students can start research projects at any time during their dental education. The students are responsible for finding their own mentors and developing a research project. For more information, please click under "Research Opportunities"on the left.
 
Q: What are the benefits of conducting research?
A:  Participation in research promotes evidence-based dentistry and encourages critical thinking skills that are crucial to the development of clinical competence in the processes of patient diagnosis and treatment evaluation. Research experience also provide dental students with alternative career choices.  In addition, the research experience allows students to interact and work with faculty. The students also have the opportutnities to publish their research findings in scientific journals and present at the national meetings.
 
Q: How much time commitment is required by student for conducting a research project? 
A: It depends on the nature of the research project. Many projects prefer commitment of 2 or more semesters. In general, behavioral studies offer more flexible schedule for students to complete part of their work outside of school on their home computers. Basic science research however, normally requires blocks of 3-4 hours laboratory time to run procedures such as PCR & gel electrophoresis. 
 
Q: What is the best time to conduct a research project
A: There is no specific time given to conduct a project. Students are encouraged to start a research project at anytime during their four-year dental education. However, many students choose to involve in research either during their D1 summer semester or their D3 years, when schedules are relatively less busy.
 
Q: Is funding available to students involved with research?
A: Many students volunteer their time to conduct research projects. Depending on an individual's research experience and skill set, the principle investigator may choose to provide compensation. Also, all students are encouraged to apply to applicable scholarship, awards, & fellowship for financial support.
 
Q: Is research credit available to students involved with research?
A: Yes. Research credits are offered as Elective Credits in UFCD. Please contact the Office of Education for more information and the application forms. Generally, the chair of each department decides how many credits to give the students. 10 hours of weekly commitment is required for recieving 1 research elective credit.
 
Q:How does research experience related to acceptance into specialty programs?
A: Research experience is normally encouraged but NOT required for students who are applying to the various specialty programs. Students do NOT have to conduct research under their desired specialty department in order to be accepted into that specialty program. For example, pre-doctoral students are NOT required to conduct Orthodontic research in order to gain admissions to Orthodontic specialty programs.
  
Q: What is a Research Honor Award?
A: UFCD awards Research Honor & High Research Honor on the graduation commencement. Eligible students can apply for the honor at any year during their dental education. Awards are given once a year. Generally, students need to have significant contribution to a research project and produce a publishable manuscript on the research findings. For detail requirements, please contact the Office of Research.