Clinical Education Overview

In over 450 dental universities across the globe, more than 5,000 dental students each year dig into the foundations of dental science. The International Association of Student Clinicians - American Dental Association (SCADA) program was first presented in 1959 at the centennial session of the ADA in New York City as a joint venture between DENTSPLY International and the American Dental Association. Thanks to this now global research program, dental students work with faculty advisors to prepare and present their scientific discoveries at a series of local, regional and international dental meetings and venues. The ADA hosts a SCADA program at each annual meeting as a popular feature of the scientific session where students are selected to compete and present their work by their individual schools.

Better dentistry depends on research, and SCADA teaches students to search for better methods and better science. They learn the rigors of laboratory-based research, and the entire profession benefits. In fact, many of today's dental educators were first drawn to research through SCADA. "When you look at our researchers, when you look at our department chairs, when you look at our deans, many of them are former [SCADA] clinicians," notes Richard Tatum, DDS, MPH, past president of SCADA.

In 2009, DENTSPLY extended our recognition and support of dental research when we partnered with the American Dental Hygienists' Association to promote dental hygiene research by master's level candidates in accredited programs across the United States. The dental profession relies on DENTSPLY to advance the practice of dentistry. One way DENTSPLY encourages innovative thinking is through its long-standing support of SCADA, and DENTSPLY has been the program's sole sponsor since its inception in 1959. We are proud to support and advocate for student dental research.

Through these programs, DENTSPLY achieves our mission "For Better Dentistry" by developing the next generation of dental scientists, educators, and visionary leaders and advancing the science of dentistry.

During the DENTSPLY Friadent World Symposium, the poster gallery presentations spark high interest with the dental community.