This week, a group of third-year dental students gathered in Friends Hall to present education-related research projects. These projects are the culmination of the student’s experience in the year-long American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Academic Dental Career Fellowship Program (ADCFP).

The program encourages the pursuit of academic careers in dentistry through giving students insight into the life of a faculty educator or researcher. The program also provides opportunities for fellows to learn about career pathways in academic dentistry and receive hands-on training specific to teaching and research.

Each fellow works alongside a faculty mentor for the duration of the program.

“The ADEA Academic Dental Career Fellowship Program offers a unique opportunity for students to explore the world of academic dentistry,” said Dr. Katherine Fleming, assistant professor of pediatric dentistry and faculty liaison for the UConn ADEA chapter. “Our fellows worked incredibly hard this year developing thoughtful, education-based research projects and engaging in teaching practica. Their contributions highlight the vital role that students play as stakeholders in the dental curriculum.”

“It’s been inspiring to watch their growth as future dentists and educators. I’m proud of the dedication and insight they brought to every part of this experience,” Fleming continued.

The fellows’ educational research projects focused on a wide range of topics, including evaluating the use of slides, videos, surveys, and artificial intelligence in the learning experience.

Max Marks, who presented his research, Integrating an AI Chatbot into Pediatric Dental Communication Skills Training, worked alongside Fleming.

For Marks, his research project allowed him to experience both academic and clinical dentistry.

“It’s been a great way to spark both of my interests, and keep it going,” Marks remarked after his presentation.

Alexis Vasciannie presented her work, Exploring the Relationship Between Oral Tori and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Scoping Review, and reflected positively on the program.

“Participating in the ADEA Academic Dental Careers Fellowship Program was an invaluable experience that allowed me to explore the world of dental academia beyond the classroom,” said Vasciannie. “It provided me with opportunities to connect with faculty on a personal level, learn about their unique paths and see how they have successfully integrated teaching with clinical practice. Through close collaboration with my mentor on a research project and hands-on teaching, both video- based and live, I was able to further develop my own teaching skills. This experience has strengthened my passion for academic dentistry and affirmed my desire to engage in teaching and mentorship as part of my professional journey.”

Vasciannie, who worked with Dr. Seema Kurup during the fellowship, is looking to pursue a residency in orthodontics and stay involved with academia.

The ADEA fellowship program at UConn has grown tremendously over the past several years, noted Dr. Eric Bernstein, associate dean for academic affairs at the School of Dental Medicine and faculty advisor for the UConn ADEA chapter.

“UConn has become one of the most robust ADCFP programs in the country and the quality of the student work and experience in the program, as evidenced by today’s presentations, is exemplary,” Bernstein said.

According to Bernstein, the School of Dental Medicine strongly supports the program because it does more than expand the pool of dental school graduates interested and eager to pursue careers academic dentistry.

“The dissemination of their research on teaching and learning through presentations like those shared today brings benefits to our entire school community,” said Bernstein.

Fleming also touted the impact the program has had on the School. The fellows, she noted, have contributed to both curriculum development and evaluation—providing valuable insights for faculty teaching and course design.

“Through participation in this program, the students not only explored careers in academia but also helped advance how we teach and learn in dental education,” said Fleming.