Dear EDSA members,

The EDSA aims to promote research activities and to offer dental students the opportunity to research in an international setting. As a part of an exciting new incentive, the EDSA invite you to apply for a summer research project at the King's College London Dental Institute or the University of Zagreb Dental School.

Various research projects are offered, ranging from basic science to clinical work, including projects on craniofacial development, oral medicine, stem cells/ tissue engineering and haptic technologies in dentistry.

To apply for participation in this programme, please fill out the online application form available at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dE16WnpEMjRRNFVlMERpWVp2RmR5LWc6MQ#gid=0 and send an email to edsa.research@gmail.com together with your:

− CV− Personal statement/ letter of motivation− Letter of recommendation − Copies of any certificates, abstracts, scientific papers etc.

Deadline for application is May 28, 2012.

Selection of applicants will commence at the end of May/ beginning of June by an International Jury composed of representatives of the professional dental associations; ADEE and IADR, a dental industry representative and an EDSA representative.

EDSA partner Colgate-GABA will fund the best research students with a 1000 EUR scholarship for a period of one month during which the student will stay at the host university.

Upon completion of the projects, students participating in the programme are required to submit a report to the EDSA Research Programme and to Colgate-GABA. Students who successfully complete the programme will be awarded a certificate and will be given an opportunity to present results of their research at the next EDSA meeting or congress.

Please feel free to contact us at edsa.research@gmail.com if you require further information.

Sincerely,EDSA Research Team

The aim of the new project of the European Dental Students` Association is to promote research activities and networking among dental students and to offer them research and development opportunities in an international setting.

As part of the programme this summer, several students will be given the opportunity to take on the role of research, clinical or laboratory assistant at EDSA partner institutions - King’s College London Dental Institute and the University of Zagreb, School of Dental Medicine.

Various research projects will be offered to EDSA students, ranging from basic science to clinical work. The list of projects available includes projects in the field of craniofacial development, oral medicine, stem cells/ tissue engineering and haptic technologies in dentistry.

Please find below more information about the institutions and projects offered:

Address of the host institution:

King's College London Dental Institute, hapTEL Lab, Floor 18, Guy's Hospital, Tower Wing,

London SE1 9RT, United Kingdom

Website: www.kcl.ac.uk

Research project coordinator/ Mentor:

Dr. Jonathan P. San Diego, Senior Research Associate in Learning Technology and Haptics

Title of available research project: Haptics Research in Dental Education

and Practice

Aim of the project: The project aims to extend the reach of haptics research by involving

dental students at the early stage of their studies. This project hopes to encourage dental

students to pursue research around haptics in dentistry.

Number of students: Up to 3 students

Short description of the project: The project will involve working on research into

haptics in education, training and practice in the context of Dentistry. Students will be enabled

to acquire some generic research skills and knowledge around haptic technologies. They will be

involved in collaboration with other colleagues and departments conducting haptics research.

There are opportunities to attend and present work in seminars within King's College London.

Duration of the project and available dates: Flexible

Language: English

Knowledge and skills required to take part in the project: Basic computing skills

(e.g. using word processors, emails, spreadsheet, etc.)

Role of the student: Research assistant

Student contact: For more information on accommodation, food and social programme

please contact Simran Chana, simran.chana@kcl.ac.uk

Address of the host institution:

King's College London Dental Institute, Floor 27, Guy's Tower, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT

Website: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/dentistry/research/index.aspx

Research project coordinator/ Mentor:

Individual supervisors will be assigned.

Type of available research project: Basic science

Aim of the project: To encourage dental students to experience the basic research

environment. Students would join a group of King's College London Summer Research

students, who are usually in their first few years of the BDS programme. Students will be active

participants in an international lab environment.

Number of students: Up to 10 students

Description of projects: A broad range of research projects are available at King's

College London Dental Institute. Sample projects include sensory and taste mechanisms,

technology in dental education, advanced imaging of osteochondral tissues, development of the

head, teeth and sensory organs, and stem cell engineering.

Duration of the project and available dates: 8 weeks, June-September

Language: English

Knowledge and skills required to take part in the project: Students should have

good academic results to date and demonstrate and enthusiasm for research.

Role of the student: Laboratory assistant

Student contact: For more information on accommodation, food and social programme

please contact Simran Chana, simran.chana@kcl.ac.uk

Address of the host institution: University of Zagreb, School of Dental Medicine,

Gunduliceva 5, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Website: www.sfzg.hr

Research project coordinator/ Mentor: Assistant Professor Vlaho Brailo

of available research project:

Impact of the low level laser therapy on the quality of life in burning mouth syndrome patients

Type of project: Clinical research without lab work

Aim of the project:

To assess the impact of the low level laser therapy on the quality of life in burning mouth 

syndrome patients

Number of students: 1

Short description of the project: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is an idiopathic

painful condition characterized by burning sensations on the healthy mucosa. The condition is

very difficult to treat and effective treatment for all patients still does not exist. Even though

BMS does not jeopardize a patient's life, it can have devastating effect on its quality. One of the

treatment options that can be used to alleviate painful symptoms is low level laser therapy

(LLLT). LLLT tends to decrease the activity of the C fibers and increases pain thresholds. The

project will include 15 patients with BMS that will undergo the LLLT. Prior to the treatment,

quality of life will be assessed using a Croatian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile 14

(OHIP 14). General data that will be recorded are: age, sex, intensity of the symptoms

(numerical rating scale 0-10), duration and previous treatment modalities. The LLLT will be

conducted in 10 cycles (1 cycle each working day). After the LLLT the intensity of the

symptoms and quality of life will be reassessed. Based on the before – after results

conclusions about the impact of the LLLT on the quality of life in BMS patients will be drawn.

Duration of the project: 2 weeks, 1 July- 15 July, 2011

Language: English

Role of the student: Clinical assistant

Student contact: For more information on accommodation, food and social program

please contact Maja Sabalić, msabalic@sfzg.hr or +385981845376

Contacts

Simran Chana EDSA Scientific Officer The Dental Institute at Guy’s, King’s & St. Thomas’ Hospitals, Kings College London, UK

simran.chana@kcl.ac.uk +447791062614

Maja Sabalić EDSA Immediate Past President University of Zagreb, School of Dental Medicine, Croatia

msabalic@sfzg.hr +385981845376