The Department of Dental Research in the WVU School of Dentistry affords dental students the opportunity to expand their knowledge of various aspects of dentistry by taking part in research projects of many types. Dental research is a major part of the mission of the School and includes ongoing projects by faculty and a growing number of dental students. The Student Research Group (SRG) sponsors research presentations, helps students get involved in research projects, and provides a great environment where learning can be fun. The West Virginia University School of Dentistry has numerous opportunities for students to become involved in dental research, including focused areas of research in biomaterials, drug evaluations, health services, and educational evaluations. Students have access to a Compendium of dental faculty members' research interests to assist them when selecting a topic. Students have found that research experience can help them think more creatively, which can be an asset for eventual general practice or admission into a clinical graduate program. Each year students get the opportunity locally and nationally to present their research. Within a recent 3 year period, over 25 students got to present their research at national meetings.

All dental students are required to complete a research project in their third year. Students identify faculty mentors to assist them with these projects. Several WVUSoD predoctoral students have received national recognition for their projects. Our Student Research Group (SRG) is very active and is one of 21 groups of the American Association for Dental Research (AADR). The SRG is organized into local chapters and aims to promote student research in dentistry and its related disciplines, promote the advancement of dental research and related aspects, advance the goals of the AADR as they unite students in the quest for research opportunities. Our local SRG is listed under the Ohio Valley Region and stimulates student research which has translated into accepted research presentations. A get acquainted luncheon is held early in the Fall semester each year, as well as several SRG dinner meetings throughout the academic year.