Research

Academic inquiry is a constant at the UMKC School of Dentistry. Step into our laboratories and you’ll find researchers organizing pioneering studies on oral diseases, analyzing bacteria and engineering ground-breaking medical devices. Scientific research is an essential part of fulfilling the UMKC School of Dentistry’s mission to advance oral health and educate the next generation. We offer several different ways for students and faculty to carry out that work.

Research Office

The Research Office is responsible for assisting with preparing grant budgets and grant submissions (pre-award), managing grant projects accounts and reports (post-award), providing biostatistical services, facilitating the Clinical Research Center (CRC), assisting with Institutional Review Board applications and tracking, promoting research opportunities, and overall activities associated with research grants, contracts and projects.

Clinical Research Center

The Clinical Research Center (CRC) brings together a team of dentists, research scientists, dental hygienists and dental assistants who specialize in dental and medical research. Studies range from evaluating dental products and therapies to treatments for periodontal disease.

Oral and Craniofacial Sciences

The Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences emphasizes multi-disciplinary approach to support research programs and graduate education. Faculty and students are encouraged to explore scientific inquiry.

Research-Oriented Academic Programs

UMKC School of Dentistry offers an exemplary program for dental students to pursue research interests. Each year, first-year dental students who rank in the top one-third to one-half of their class are invited to apply to the Summer Scholars Program, which occurs during the summer after their first year. In addition, UMKC SOD sponsors an AADR National Student Research Group chapter.

Graduate students can explore several research paths as well.  The school offers three advanced degrees with a strong emphasis on research-oriented academics.  The programs – Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Education, Master of Science in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences and a Ph.D. in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences – allow students to focus on understanding the scientific method and applying it to projects.

Cores and Laboratories

UMKC School of Dentistry has state-of-the-art equipment to discover more about oral diseases. The advanced facilities offer multiple equipment such as confocal and electron microscopy, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, and mechanical testing at the micro- and nano-scale.  The technology capabilities include multiple analytical tasks in image capture and analysis, chemical composition evaluations as well as mechanical property characterizations. Those who are not affiliated with the School of Dentistry can view more information about fees in the Cores and Laboratories tab.