Summary: The 2024 SCADA Awards celebrated dental research by students and winners were recognized during the IADR/AADOCR General Session for their projects in clinical and translational science categories. The awards promote continued academic and professional growth in dental research.

Key Takeaways:

  • Recognition of emerging scholars in dental research.
  • Encouragement of ongoing student engagement and professional development in the field.
  • Importance of academic contributions to advancing dental, oral, and craniofacial research.

The 2024 SCADA Awards, spotlighting exceptional contributions to dental research, were presented by Dentsply Sirona and the American Association for Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) in New Orleans. The awards ceremony took place at the IADR/AADOCR General Session, highlighting the achievements of emerging scholars in the field.

History and Purpose of SCADA Awards

Since its inception in 1959, SCADA has encouraged student involvement in dental research, aiming to enhance their research skills and career opportunities.

The awards event took place on March 13 and included sponsors, judges, the SCADA board of directors, and representatives from various dental schools. Winners had the chance to display their research at a public poster session on March 14 at the Convention Center. Participants in the event are also welcomed into the SCADA Alumni Association.

Winners of the 2024 SCADA Awards

Clinical Research / Public Health Winners

  • First Place: Daniel Rexin from Loma Linda University for “Steam Sterilization of 3D-Printed Surgical Guides Affects Implant Placement Accuracy”.
  • Second Place: Robert Zhou from the University of Pacific for “Comprehensive Assessment of Deep Overbite Correction Using Clear Aligners”.
  • Third Place: Chao Dong from the University of Washington for “Influence of Gender on OMS Applicants’ Recommendation Letters”.

Basic and Translational Science Winners

  • First Place: Ameera Samaher Haque from University of California, San Francisco for “Unraveling the Cellular Basis of Murine Incisor Morphogenesis.”
  • Second Place: Conrad Harness from Texas A&M School of Dentistry for “Mechanical Forces Regulate Plasticity of Scx+ Cells During Condyle Growth.”
  • Third Place: Ali Al Hatem from UT Health School of Dentistry at Houston for “MDT-15 mediates enhanced immunity in C. elegans against S. gordonii”.

Prizes and Benefits

The top three projects in each category received prizes of $1,000, $750, and $500, respectively. The competitors become part of the SCADA Alumni Association, and join a select group who competed in their individual schools and their country’s national program.

“SCADA allows us to get a good metric of dental student involvement in research, and we at AADOCR hope they will continue to engage in research by staying curious, keeping informed, and becoming future leaders of the profession,” said Alexandre Vieira, president of AADOCR.