School of Dental Medicine Research

Research, alongside teaching and community service, stands as a cornerstone of Universidad Ana G. Méndez (UAGM) and is deeply ingrained in the Mission of UAGM School of Dental Medicine (SDM).  Scientific inquiry serves as the bedrock for implementing evidence-based approaches aimed at enhancing the health and social well-being of the diverse populations that the SDM will serve.

The Doctor of Dental Medicine program will introduce students to the fundamental principles of epidemiological, translational, and clinical research.  Students will learn how to conduct, evaluate, apply, and communicate research findings effectively to patients.  The curriculum is tailored to foster patient-centered care underpinned by robust scientific evidence.  Moreover, the SDM program will offer opportunities for students to engage in mentored elective research endeavors, creative endeavors, innovation, and other scholarly pursuits.  Regardless of their level of involvement in research, all UAGM-SDM graduates will demonstrate competency in accessing, critically appraising, applying, and disseminating literature as it relates to provision of evidence-based comprehensive patient management and care.

At UAGM-SDM, we advocate for an active research environment wherein faculty and students contribute to generating and disseminating new knowledge, with a particular focus on its applicability to dentistry and/or public health policy.  Insights from relevant scientific discoveries will inform ongoing refinements to our curriculum.  Our research strategy will be aligned with the UAGM institutional research priorities as defined by the UAGM Strategic Development Guides for 2021- 2024.  SDM is actively identifying and defining specific research focus areas to be pursued by its investigators, faculty, students, and strategic partners.  Some early identified areas of focus include research in dental materials and technology, leveraging collaborations with the UAGM School of Engineering and external partners.  The SDM will emphasize the importance of researching top trends and innovations in the digital era to optimize patient care delivery.

Additionally, the SDM will prioritize research into health disparities and other challenges facing individuals and communities in Puerto Rico.  Our focus will lie on conducting research, scholarly activities, and educational projects aimed at addressing healthcare inequities and advancing interventions aligned with the UAGM research trust area of "Health and Social Well-being."

Further areas of research emphasis at UAGM-SDM will be shaped by the expertise and interests of our investigators, faculty, and students.