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.

Forty-three years ago, SCADA started a Fellowship Fund, named in honor of the late Henry M. Thornton then, DENTSPLY's Chairman Emeritus, whose vision created this program. The fund was designed to support our student clinicians as the pursue post-doctoral dental education programs or specialty training. Since 1976, SCADA has awarded $107,000 in Fellowship grants.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR THE 2019 HENRY M. THORNTON FELLOWSHIP AWARD

The Alan J. Davis / SCADA Achievement Award is named in honor of our first Corresponding Secretary, has been awarded to a clinician for outstanding service to the dental profession or to SCADA itself.

The Burton Borgelt Faculty Advisor Award, named for a former CEO of the then Dentsply International, recognizes the work of a faculty member who is committed to mentoring students in research at his or her university.