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A message from the SCADA Alumni Association President

On behalf of the SCADA Board of Directors, I welcome you to this Alumni Association comprised of a select and elite group of dentists who participated in the SCADA Student Research Programs at their individual schools and their country's national program. I applaud you for your interest in research and encourage you to continue to support our programs, nominate individuals for our awards, and consider running for a position on our Board of Directors. We are most appreciative of the outstanding sponsorship of Dentsply Sirona for over sixty-years of support and the American Association for Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research as the host of our program at each Annual Session. Please review our exciting website to read the history of the Student Research Program and to become familiar with our story. It is my sincere hope that this organization will open new horizons and fellowship for you within the dental research community.

Mr. Hyuk-Jae Edward Kwon , DDS, PhD

The SCADA Story

Welcome to SCADA! SCADA – the Student Competition for Advancing Dental Research and its Application – is a global student competition, aimed at engaging the next generation of dental professionals in the discovery and advancement of dental research, and the improvement of oral health worldwide.

The first International Association of Student Clinicians - American Dental Association (ADA) or SCADA Program was launched as a joint venture between DENTSPLY International and the American Dental Association in 1959 during the centennial session of the ADA in New York City.

The program was conceived by the late Dr. Harold H. Hillenbrand, former Executive Director of the ADA, and the late Mr. Henry M. Thornton, former Chairman of DENTSPLY International. Their goal was to help students discover research, advance themselves, and find inspiring ways to improve dental care – and continues in this spirit today.

Program Goals

  • Engage students to discover the importance and power of dental research.
  • Provide opportunities for students to Advance their Research skills and careers.
  • Inspire students to look for new ways to have a positive impact on dental care and oral health.

Active Programs

The Image shows all countries where SCADA is available

Canada: The first Canadian Program took place in 1971 in cooperation with the Canadian Dental Association. All 10 Canadian dental schools are invited to take part in this annual event.

Germany: Expansion in Europe took place in Germany beginning in 1987 in cooperation with the German Dental Society and the German Dental Association. This annual program includes the dental schools in both Austria and Switzerland.

Scandinavia: In 1991, a separate program was initiated for dental students in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland. It normally takes place each year during the Annual Conference of the Danish Dental Association. This Program was expanded to include the Netherlands and the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Japan: The initial foray into Japan took place in 1995 and has been an annual event since that time. It has gained in popularity and prestige among Japanese dental educators from the 29 schools and is conducted annually in cooperation with the Japan Dental Association.

France: Further expansion in Europe occurred in 1997 with the introduction of a new program in France in cooperation with the French Dental Association. This event is conducted each year during the ADF Meeting as is open to all 15 dental schools.

Thailand: The Dental Association of Thailand partnered with DENTSPLY on a Student Clinician Program starting in 1998. It is conducted annually during the DAT Meeting and is open to all 7 of the nation’s dental schools.

South Korea: Additional expansion in Asia was seen in 1999 when a new program was established in South Korea. The Korean Dental Association co-sponsors the program each year and it is open to all 11 of the county’s dental schools.

Taiwan: This popular program was introduced in Taiwan in 2000 in cooperation with the Chinese Taipei Association for Dental Sciences. It is conducted annually during their Congress.

American Dental Hygienist Association (ADHA)
SCADA expanded to include the dental hygiene community in 2008 when the program partnered with the American Dental Hygienist Association.
 

Leadership/ SCADA Board Members

Mr. Hyuk-Jae Edward Kwon,

DDS, PhD

President

Erin Ealba Bumann,

DDS, PhD, MS

Immediate Past President

Heidi Steinkamp,

DDS, PhD

Treasurer

Rainer Seemann,
DDS, PhD, MBA

Secretary

Hans-Jürgen Wenz,

DDS, PhD, MME

Vice President

Caroline Sawicki,

DDS, PhD

Director at large

Alexandra Herzog,

DDS, PhD

Student Representative

SCADA Awards

SCADA provides several annual awards including:

• Henry M. Thornton/SCADA Fellowship Award
• Burton C. Borgelt/SCADA Faculty Advisor Award
• Alan J. Davis/SCADA Achievement Award

Henry M. Thornton / SCADA Fellowship Award

The Henry M. Thornton / SCADA Fellowship provides financial support to SCADA Associates enrolled in postgraduate programs to promote continued scholarship and help support graduate education.

Burton C. Borgelt/SCADA Faculty Advisor Award

The Student Competition Advancing Dental Research and its Application (SCADA) Board of Directors has presented a Burton C. Borgelt/SCADA Faculty Advisor Award each year since 1980. This award recognizes the contributions a faculty member has made toward mentoring pre-doctoral student research.

 

Alan J. Davis/SCADA Achievement Award

This honor is bestowed upon a colleague for outstanding service to the profession, to SCADA, or the community. This award supports and acknowledges leaders for their commitment to the advancement of dentistry.

Global SCADA Program Information

The SCADA Board of Directors is proud to announce that the 2025/2026 SCADA Global Program will be held in conjunction with the 55th Annual Meeting for the AADOCR (American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research) and the 50th Annual Meeting of the CADR (Canadian Association of Dental Research) in San Diego, California, USA from March 23-28, 2026.

Important Dates

  • March 23-24, 2026: SCADA US Competition in San Diego, CA
  • March 25-28, 2026: IADR/AADOCR/CADR Annual Meeting & Exhibition in San Diego, CA

Please contact Corporate-SCADA@dentsplysirona.com with any questions regarding the SCADA Program or:

Beatrice Nguyen
Awards, Fellowships & Grants Coordinator
American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research
bnguyen@iadr.org

Please find the Press Release for SCADA results 2025 below.

Winners of the 2025 SCADA Awards 208 kB

SCADA Guidelines

The Creative Clinician Scientist 517 kB

Student Competition for Advancing Dental Research and its Application