SIU School of Dental Medicine

Research/Scholarship

SIU SDM Research Handbook

The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine Research Handbook is intended to assist faculty and students in their efforts to develop and manage their research projects. The handbook provides information about internal funding, external funding, research compliance protocols, and the ethical and responsible conduct of research.

Student Research

2024 Research Day

SIU School of Dental Medicine’s Research Day Welcomed Keynote Speaker on Dental and Craniofacial Research from National Institutes of Health

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) held its 2024 Research Day, featuring a keynote speaker from the National Institutes of Health and the annual student table clinic competition. This year’s student winner presented a Retrospective Study to Evaluate Survival of Single Versus Multi-Unit Implant-Supported Prostheses.

“Research Day was a testament to our unified spirit, going beyond academic achievement. Beginning with the short talk series, exhibiting the faculty and students' table clinics, and culminating in the prestigious presence of NIH NIDCR's Dr. Webster-Cyriaque, the day resonated with team effort and purpose,” said M. Nathalia Garcia, DDS, MS, professor, chair of Applied Dental Medicine and section head of Periodontics. “The success of our Research Day reflected the collaborative spirit of our dental school. From dedicated faculty mentors to passionate student researchers, supported by vital sponsorship from the school administration, we've showcased groundbreaking initiatives poised to shape the future of oral health impacting our SIU SDM community."

Keynote speaker Jennifer Webster-Cyriaque, DDS, PhD, deputy director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, presented on the topic “Research Pathways to Oral Health for All.” Webster-Cyriaque's insight revealed the many opportunities throughout the country to solve significant oral health issues through dental research.

“It was an honor to welcome Jennifer Webster-Cyriaque as our keynote speaker,” said Garcia. “She not only unveiled national research trends and key initiatives and collaboration opportunities, but sparked a collective sense of purpose, inspiring students, and faculty to delve into dental, oral, and craniofacial research with renewed vigor.”

Following the presentation by Dr. Webster-Cyriaque, student research took center stage. Several SDM students competed in the annual student table clinic competition. Amira El-Daibani, an international student who will graduate with her DMD in June, earned first place overall in the competition. Nick Yuhas and Emily Collins, both second year students, earned second and third place, respectively.

These three winners will be extended invitations to present at the 2025 American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research/ Canadian Association for Dental Research (AADOCR/CADR) Annual Meeting in New York, NY, and the Hinman Student Research Symposium at University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN.

Garcia added, “Through our annual table clinics, our students and faculty proudly exhibited their tireless dedication, while reflecting on the research endeavors within our community; each presentation was a demonstration of perseverance, hard work, and success. These showcases not only spotlighted individual achievements but also represented the collective commitment to collaborative research within our institution. The student competition wasn't merely an event; it was a proud affirmation of our unified pursuit to elevate dental, oral, and craniofacial research for the benefit of our profession.”

Tim Schwartz, DDS, and Gary Fischer, DMD, from the Illinois State Dental Society Foundation, as well as Isabel Gay, DDS, MS, Andres Davila, DMD, and Donald Reed, MS, from the School’s faculty, in the student table clinic competition served as the judges for the competition.

During Research Day this year SIU SDM honored Charles Hildebolt, DDS, PhD, who passed away in March. Hildebolt served on the SIU SDM faculty for many years and was instrumental in developing and elevating the research of many faculty and students demonstrating his work ethic, passion and knowledge in oral, craniofacial, and dental research.

Photos:

Saulius E. Drukteinis, DMD, MS, PhD, professor and Dean of SIU SDM, keynote speaker Jennifer Webster-Cyriaque, DDS, PhD, deputy director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, M. Nathalia Garcia, DDS, MS, professor, chair of Applied Dental Medicine, section head of Periodontics; Amira El-Daibani, DMD candidate and first place overall in student competition

Dean’s Student Research Fellowship Program

Each year, funding is made available for student participation in research, sponsored by SDM faculty. Research fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis as determined by merit of a submitted research proposal. This program is designed to introduce a student to research. Funding for a second year student is approved only in rare cases. Details of the research program and how to apply are offered through the links that follow:

• Dean’s Student Research Fellowship Guidelines and Checklist [pdf]
• Prospectus  [pdf]
• Cover Sheet  [pdf]
• Budget Request Form [pdf]
• Report Form [pdf]

SIU SDM Research Committee

All research conducted by SDM faculty (regardless of the type or source of funding) and changes to current/ongoing research projects must be approved in advance by the SDM Research Committee. No scholarly activity points will be awarded for research activity which was not pre-approved by the Research Committee.

The SDM Research Committee requests all materials which need consideration and/or approval be submitted to Office of Research for processing at least one week before the next committee meeting. The SDM Research Committee meeting schedule is:

Other important events for 2024-2025

April 7, 2025: Research Day Table Clinic Competition

April 8, 2025: Research Day

The SDM Research Committee Members are:

• Dr. Cinnamon VanPutte, Chair; Ext. 7212
• Dr. Abigail Eilerman, Vice-Chair; Ext. 7131
• Dr. Kathryn Carter; Ext. 7216
• Dr. Katie Hanser; Ext. 7355
• Dr. Mohamed Omran; Ext. 7213
• Dr. Douglas Miley, Consultant; Ext. 7208
• Dr. Barbara McCracken, Ex-officio; Ext. 7144

Pilot Project Application Forms

• Pilot Project Requirements [.doc]
• Budget Request [.doc]
• Application Cover Sheet [.doc]
• Report Form [.doc]

Advanced Investigation Award Application Forms

• SDM AIA Guidelines [.doc]
• Budget Request [.doc]
• Application Cover Sheet [.doc]
• Report Form [.doc]

Resident Research Application Forms

• Requirements [.doc]
• Budget Request Form [.doc]
• Application Cover Sheet [.doc]

SDM Research Projects – No Funds Requested (N.F.R.)

• NEW SDM Research Project - No Funds Requested (N.F.R.) - Application Form [.doc]

SDM STimulus Award for Resubmissions (STAR)

• SDM STimulus Award for Resubmissions (STAR) Guidelines [pdf]

Other Office of Research Forms

• Faculty Travel Request Form [.doc]
• University-Funded Travel Release Form [.doc] 
• Graduate Student Travel Request Form [.doc]
• SIUE Graduate School Travel Budget Worksheet [.doc]
• Research Supply Order Form [.doc]
• Research Equipment Request Form [.doc]
• Supplemental Grant Award Form [.doc]
  
  
  

American Association for Dental Research

The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine is an Institutional Section member of the American Association for Dental Research, and we encourage our faculty, research staff and students to join AADR at the individual level. Dedicated scientists turn to AADR to move their research into action.

Being an AADR member will give you:

• Increased opportunities to advocate for the future of dental, oral and craniofacial research;
• Online access to cutting-edge science published in the Journal of Dental Research;
• A subscription to the monthly AADR Science Advocate e-newsletter;
• Discounted registration rates to attend AADR and IADR meetings;
• A platform to network and collaborate with researchers and others in the field of dentistry;
• And much more!

For more information and to join, visit http://www.iadr.org/AADR/Join-Renew/Join-Us